foil
foil Lexical Profile
foil Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A very thin, flexible sheet of metal, typically used for wrapping, cooking, or packaging.
"She carefully covered the roasting pan with aluminum foil to keep the turkey moist."
A person or thing that contrasts with another entity, thereby emphasizing and enhancing its distinct qualities.
"In the novel, the impulsive and chaotic sidekick serves as a perfect foil to the cautious detective."
A light, flexible fencing sword with a blunt, button-like point, used primarily in practice and competition.
"The fencers raised their foils to salute the judges before the bout began."
• verb
To prevent a plot, plan, or attempt from succeeding.
"The vigilant security guard foiled the attempted bank robbery by quickly locking the front doors."
• Rhymes for foil
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun meaning 'thin metal' derives from Old French 'foille' (leaf), tracing back to Latin 'folia'. The verb meaning 'to prevent' comes from Old French 'fouler', meaning to trample or defeat.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.