WordWeb Online

1. Disappointingly unsuccessful
   "their foiled attempt to capture Calais"
   - defeated, disappointed, discomfited, frustrated, thwarted

1. Enhance by contrast
   "In this picture, the figures are foiled against the background"
    
2. Hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
   "foil your opponent"
   - thwart, queer, spoil, scotch, cross, frustrate, baffle, bilk
    
3. Cover or back with foil
   "foil mirrors"

See also: foiling, unsuccessful

Type of: contrast, counterpoint, cover, forbid, foreclose, forestall, preclude, prevent

Encyclopedia: Foil Foil, Missouri