foil: Meaning and Definition of

foil

1. to prevent the success of; frustrate; balk: Loyal troops foiled his attempt to overthrow the government.
2. to keep (a person) from succeeding in an enterprise, plan, etc.

1. a defeat; check; repulse.

foil

1. metal in the form of very thin sheets: aluminum foil.
2. the metallic backing applied to glass to form a mirror.
3. a thin layer of metal placed under a gem in a closed setting to improve its color or brilliancy.
4. a person or thing that makes another seem better by contrast: The straight man was an able foil to the comic.
5. an arc or a rounded space between cusps, as in the tracery of a window or other ornamentation.
6. an airfoil or hydrofoil.

1. to cover or back with foil.
2. to set off by contrast.

foil

1. a flexible four-sided rapier having a blunt point.
2. the art or practice of fencing with this weapon, points being made by touching the trunk of the opponent's body with the tip of the weapon.