Defeat
/dɪˈfiːt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo overcome in a battle, contest, game, or argument.
/dɪˈfiːt/
To win a victory over someone or something.
The general's army defeated the enemy in a surprise attack.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game and you win! You defeated your opponent. It's like when your team scores more points than the other team.
👶 For kids: To beat someone in a game or fight!
More Examples
She felt defeated after failing the exam.
The defending champion was finally defeated by a younger challenger.
How It's Used
"The home team defeated the visitors in a close game."
"The opposition party defeated the proposed legislation."
An instance of being defeated or overcome.
/dɪˈfiːt/
The act of defeating someone or something.
The defeat in the election was a major blow to the party.
💡 Simply: When you lose a game or competition, that's a defeat. It’s like when you don't win and have to say 'good game' to the winner.
👶 For kids: When you don't win in a game!
More Examples
The team had to face the reality of defeat.
Accepting defeat with grace is a sign of good sportsmanship.
How It's Used
"The general acknowledged the army's defeat."
"The team suffered a crushing defeat."
Idioms & expressions
snatch defeat from the jaws of victory
To lose a game or contest that one should have won.
"The team snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by making several errors in the final minutes."
a foregone defeat
A defeat that is certain or inevitable.
"The team's poor performance made the match a foregone defeat."
From Old French *desfaire* (to undo, destroy), from *des-* (de-, dis-) + *faire* (to do, make), from Latin *facere*.
The word 'defeat' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to the act of destroying or frustrating something.
Memory tip
Think of the moment when the opposing team has to concede – they've been defeated!
Word Origin
"to undo, destroy"