Definition of Defeat
Defeat
de·feat
Definition/Meaning
(verb)
to beat or overcome someone, to win or secure a victory against them in a contest or battle;
e.g. We could easily defeat the opposing team once we figured out their strategy.
(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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