Synonyms for

Defeat

Verb / dɪˈfi:t / Another word for defeat — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To win a victory over someone in a battle or competition.

Synonyms & similar words

licking shootdown voteout votedown victory frustration overcome getthebetterof kill beat conquer vanquish overcome trounce crush subdue thwart foil frustrate outdo outmatch outstrip overpower prevail surpass top best rout whip

Synonyms by register

Formal

vanquish subdue overcome rout

Informal

beat thrash lick clobber

Literary

subjugate overthrow crush

Antonyms

victory triumph success win conquest ascendancy

Common collocations

  • defeat the enemy
  • defeat the purpose
  • defeat the motion
  • defeat the opposition
  • defeat a plan
  • defeat an opponent
  • a crushing defeat
  • a narrow defeat

Word family

noun defeat
verb defeat
adjective defeated

Usage note

As a verb, 'defeat' often implies a decisive loss. As a noun, it refers to the state of having lost.

Example sentences

  1. The army was able to defeat the enemy in battle.
  2. I will not let this defeat stop me from trying again.
  3. The chess master was able to defeat all of his opponents.
  4. The team was defeated in the first round of the tournament.
  5. Despite their efforts, they were unable to defeat the undefeated team.

Quotes

  • Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan.
  • Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.
  • Sometimes you learn more from defeat than victory.

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