LookItUp

defeat

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /dɪˈfiːt/

Forms: defeats, defeating, defeated

defeat means: If you do this to an opponent, you win against them in a game, fight, or competition.

verb

WIN AGAINSTB1

If you do this to an opponent, you win against them in a game, fight, or competition.

  • Our team defeated theirs.
  • Can she defeat the champion?
  • The army was defeated after a long battle.

Similar words: beat, overcome, vanquish

Opposites: lose to

Common phrases: defeat someone, defeat an army

noun

LOSINGB1

A result in which someone loses a game, fight, or competition.

  • The team suffered a defeat.
  • She refused to admit defeat.
  • Three defeats in a row cost him his job.

Similar words: loss

Opposites: victory

Common phrases: suffer defeat, admit defeat, heavy defeat

BEATING AN OPPONENTB2

The act of winning against a particular opponent in a fight or competition.

  • Their defeat of the enemy ended the war.
  • We celebrated our defeat of the league leaders.
  • Her defeat of the champion made the news.

How to use it: defeat of someone/something (Their defeat of the champions surprised everyone.)

Similar words: beating, overcoming

Common phrases: defeat of someone, defeat of enemies

Questions about defeat

What does defeat mean?

If you do this to an opponent, you win against them in a game, fight, or competition.

What is defeat in other languages?

Türkçe: yenmek · Español: derrotar · Français: battre · Deutsch: besiegen · Italiano: sconfiggere · 日本語: 倒す

How do you pronounce defeat?

It is pronounced /dɪˈfiːt/.

How do you use defeat in a sentence?

Our team defeated theirs. Can she defeat the champion?

Learn defeat while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

Phrases with defeat

defeat in other languages

More words