Defeat

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dɪˈfiːt/
• Rhymes: -iːt

Origin

from Old French desfait, from the verb desfaire Latin des + faciō (to unmake).

Full definition of defeat

Verb

1. (transitive) To overcome in battle or contest.Wellington defeated Napoleon at Waterloo.
2. (transitive) To nullify; to reduce, to nothing, the strength of.
• TillotsonHe finds himself naturally to dread a superior Being that can defeat all his designs, and disappoint all his hopes.
• HallamThe escheators ... defeated the right heir of his succession.
• A. W. WardIn one instance he defeated his own purpose.

Synonyms

Related terms

Noun

1. The act of defeating or being defeated.
• 2012, May 13, Alistair Magowan, Sunderland 0-1 Man Utd, Two defeats in five games coming into this contest, and a draw with Everton, ultimately cost Sir Alex Ferguson's side in what became the most extraordinary finale to the league championship since Arsenal beat Liverpool at Anfield in 1989.