defeat Definition
- 1win a victory over (someone) in a battle or other contest; overcome or beat
- 2prevent (someone) from achieving an aim or prevent (something) from succeeding
Using defeat: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "defeat" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The army was defeated in battle.
Example
She finally defeated her longtime rival in the tennis match.
Example
We must not allow this issue to defeat us.
Example
The team's lack of preparation defeated their chances of winning.
defeat Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with defeat
admit defeat
acknowledge that one has been beaten or has failed
Example
After hours of trying to solve the puzzle, he finally admitted defeat.
snatch defeat from the jaws of victory
to fail at the last moment when one is very close to success
Example
The team had a comfortable lead throughout the game, but they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by making careless mistakes in the final minutes.
staring defeat in the face
to be faced with the prospect of losing or failing
Example
After losing the first two sets, she was staring defeat in the face, but she managed to come back and win the match.
Origins of defeat
from Old French 'desfait', past participle of 'desfaire', meaning 'undo'
Summary: defeat in Brief
To 'defeat' [dɪˈfiːt] someone means to win a victory over them in a battle or contest, or to prevent them from achieving an aim. It can refer to physical or abstract battles, as in 'She finally defeated her longtime rival in the tennis match.' 'Defeat' can also be used in phrases like 'admit defeat,' meaning to acknowledge failure, or 'snatch defeat from the jaws of victory,' meaning to fail at the last moment when one is very close to success.
