Meaning

(transitive) To overcome in battle or contest..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To overcome in battle or contest.
2. (transitive) To reduce, to nothing, the strength of.
3. (transitive) To nullify
4. To prevent (something) from being achieved.
5. The act or instance of being defeated, of being overcome or vanquished; a loss.
6. The act or instance of defeating, of overcoming, vanquishing.
7. Frustration (by prevention of success), stymieing; (law) nullification.
8. (obsolete) Destruction, ruin.

Example Sentences

Wellington defeated Napoleon at Waterloo.

The Japanese defeated the Ming general Tsu Chʻeng-hsün 祖承訓 at Pʻing jang 平壤 in 1592, the first year of Bunroku 文祿 of Japan, and the fighting continued for some years; but at Hideyoshi's death the Japanese troops left Korea.

My personal success or failure is insignificant; the rise or fall of the nation is my responsibility and must not be shirked. Upon introspection, I feel I am firmer than ever in confidence that the Communists will be defeated. These are feelings which will comfort Father's soul in Heaven.

The 36-year-old defeats US Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a fiery 44-year-old Democrat from the Dallas area, in a contentious primary that became increasingly personal.

He finds himself naturally to dread a superior Being that can defeat all his designs, and disappoint all his hopes.

In one instance he defeated his own purpose.

The escheators […] defeated the right heir of his succession.

The last active L.Y.R. 0-6-0ST (apart from works shunters), No. 51408, has been moved from Bolton to Agecroft for use in New Bailey Yard, Salford, where a sharp 1 in 27 curve is said to have defeated all attempts so far to employ diesel shunters; an ex-L.Y.R. 0-4-0ST also works here.

Word Forms

• defeats
• defeating
• defeated
• no-table-tags
• glossary
• defeat
• defeatest
• defeatedst
• defeateth
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Synonyms for defeat

Antonyms for defeat

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When Should You Use Defeat?

Use defeat when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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