Defeat vs Take that sucker down

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Defeat

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb

Take that sucker down

InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Defeat
 DefeatTake that sucker down
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈfiːt/","/dɪˈfiːts/","/dɪˈfiːtɪd/","/dɪˈfiːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈfiːt/","/dɪˈfiːts/","/dɪˈfiːtɪd/","/dɪˈfiːtɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //teɪk ðæt ˈsʌkə daʊn//🇺🇸 //teɪk ðæt ˈsʌkər daʊn//
Meaningto win against someone in a game or fightRemove that thing or person.
ExampleThe team was determined to defeat their rivals in the championship game.We need to take that sucker down before it causes more damage.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationscomprehensively, convincingly, decisively, by, comprehensively, convincingly, decisively, by, comprehensively, convincingly, decisively, bytake down a target, take down opponents, take down the enemy, take down a criminal, take down a barrier
Antonymsvictory, win, success-
Common mistakesConfused with 'defeat' vs 'defeated' as different forms of the word, Using 'defeat' intransitively — it always requires an object, Incorrectly assuming 'defeat' can be used in positive contextsConfused with 'take it down' which can mean to remove a message or image., Using 'sucker' too literally; it's informal and can be disrespectful., Misusing 'take' without an object.
Usage notesUse 'defeat' in contexts involving competition or conflict, such as sports or battles. Avoid using it in casual conversational contexts unless referring to a game.Used in casual conversation, often to mean defeat or remove someone or something. Avoid in formal contexts.

See it in real clips

Defeat
Take that sucker down

Frequently asked questions: Defeat vs Take that sucker down

What's the difference between Defeat and Take that sucker down?

Defeat: to win against someone in a game or fight Take that sucker down: Remove that thing or person.

Which is more formal: Defeat and Take that sucker down?

Defeat is the most formal of these.

Can you show an example of each?

Defeat: The team was determined to defeat their rivals in the championship game. Take that sucker down: We need to take that sucker down before it causes more damage.

Can I use Defeat and Take that sucker down interchangeably?

Not always. Defeat and Take that sucker down are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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