frustrate (a plan or attempt)

2. VERB

If someone or something frustrates a plan or attempt to do something, they prevent it from succeeding.

• The government has deliberately frustrated his efforts to gain work permits for his foreign staff.     
• her frustrated attempt to become governor.

... Cobuild

1(a). To prevent from accomplishing a purpose or fulfilling a desire; thwart: 

• A persistent wind frustrated my attempt to rake the lawn.
  

... Am Heritage