B2verb2K

Defeat

UK /["/dɪˈfiːt/","/dɪˈfiːts/","/dɪˈfiːtɪd/","/dɪˈfiːtɪŋ/"]/US /["/dɪˈfiːt/","/dɪˈfiːts/","/dɪˈfiːtɪd/","/dɪˈfiːtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to win against somebody in a war, competition, sports game, etc.

In simple words: to win against someone in a game or fight

Examples

  • The team was determined to defeat their rivals in the championship game.
  • Despite their best efforts, they could not defeat the complex puzzle.
  • In the end, it was a hard-fought battle, but they managed to defeat the enemy forces.
  • She felt that her fears would always defeat her ambitions if she didn't confront them.
  • To truly defeat your limitations, you must first believe in your potential.

Usage notes

Use 'defeat' in contexts involving competition or conflict, such as sports or battles. Avoid using it in casual conversational contexts unless referring to a game.

Grammar pattern

defeat + object

Memory hint

Think of 'defeat' as 'de-feet'—taking someone's feet out from under them in a competition.

Collocations

  • comprehensively
  • convincingly
  • decisively
  • by
  • comprehensively
  • convincingly
  • decisively
  • by
  • comprehensively
  • convincingly
  • decisively
  • by

Synonyms

  • beat

Antonyms

  • victory
  • win
  • success

Common mistakes

  • Confused 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 contexts