Final answer:
An individual who intends to commit a crime but is thwarted by an outside force has engaged in an attempted crime and can still face legal consequences for their actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person who intends to commit a crime but is prevented from doing so by an external force is commonly referred to as having engaged in an attempted crime. This situation illustrates how intention and outcome can diverge significantly. Despite the inability to complete the criminal act, the individual still displayed criminal intent, which is punishable by law. This notion also ties into the broader sociological and legal discussions about the nature of freedom and free will, and how they relate to legal consequences and societal norms.