Definition of Defeat
Defeat
De·feat


Definition/Meaning
(verb)
To overcome or succeed against an opponent or challenge.

e.g. The team worked hard to defeat their arch-rivals in the championship game.

(verb)
to prevent an aim/purpose from being achieved or a proposal/motion from being passed, or to block someone from achieving an aim;

e.g. Doing this would defeat the purpose of the exercise. They hoped to defeat his attempts to find evidence.

(noun)
an instance of losing to someone or being overthrown in a contest or battle;

e.g. He accepted his defeat with good spirit.

(noun)
the state of being prevented from achieving one's aim, or an instance of this;

e.g. She was bitter of the defeat that her suggestions had suffered.



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Quotes
  • "Fear defeats more people than anything in the world." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson




Phrases
  • lost to (someone or something)



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