B2verb2K

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

Meaning of Defeat

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

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

Defeat in a sentence

  • 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.

How to use Defeat

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.

Related words

Collocations with Defeat

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

Synonyms for Defeat

Opposites of Defeat

Common mistakes with Defeat

  • 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

Defeat appears in

Defeat in other languages

More words like Defeat

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Frequently asked questions about Defeat

What does Defeat mean?

to win against someone in a game or fight

What is the definition of Defeat?

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

How do you use Defeat in a sentence?

The team was determined to defeat their rivals in the championship game.

Can you give another example of Defeat?

Despite their best efforts, they could not defeat the complex puzzle.

What are synonyms for Defeat?

Common alternatives include beat.

What is the opposite of Defeat?

Opposite meanings include victory, win, success.

What words go with Defeat?

It commonly pairs with comprehensively, convincingly, decisively, by, comprehensively, convincingly, decisively, by, comprehensively, convincingly, decisively, by.

What are common mistakes when using Defeat?

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

How do you pronounce Defeat?

US: /["/dɪˈfiːt/","/dɪˈfiːts/","/dɪˈfiːtɪd/","/dɪˈfiːtɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈfiːt/","/dɪˈfiːts/","/dɪˈfiːtɪd/","/dɪˈfiːtɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Defeat?

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.

What CEFR level is Defeat?

"Defeat" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.