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Definitions

defeat

[dih-feet] / dɪˈfit /
NOUN
overthrow, beating
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beating blow breakdown collapse debacle destruction drubbing embarrassment failure killing loss massacre rout setback thrashing triumph
STRONG
KO ambush annihilation break check conquest count discomfiture extermination fall lacing licking mastery paddling rebuff repulse reverse ruin scalping shellacking slaughter subjugation trap trashing trimming trouncing waxing whaling whipping whitewashing
WEAK
defeasance downthrow insuccess nonsuccess vanquishment
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accomplishment achievement boon success win
STRONG
surrender yielding
WEAK
attainment mastery victory
NOUN
frustration
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disappointment downfall failure loss reversal setback
STRONG
discomfiture foil rebuff repulse reverse thwarting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accomplishment achievement boost success win
WEAK
attainment conquest mastery triumph victory
VERB
conquer in military manner
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beat crush finish off overpower overthrow overwhelm rout upset vanquish whip
STRONG
ambush annihilate bar best block butcher decimate demolish discomfit drown entrap halt hinder impede lick obliterate obstruct outflank outmaneuver overrun parry quell reduce repel repress repulse route sack scatter shipwreck sink slaughter smash subdue subjugate suppress surmount swamp torpedo trample trash
WEAK
bear down mow down prevail over roll back wipe out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fail lose surrender yield
STRONG
advance aid allow assist attract build clear construct encourage facilitate fix float forward free grow help increase let go liberate open permit promote push release save strengthen support win
WEAK
abet give up inspirit
VERB
conquer in athletic contest
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beat clobber drub edge knock out outplay overpower take thrash trounce win
STRONG
KO bust cream deck drop flax flog floor lambaste lick outrun pommel pound powder pulverize skin steamroll tan total wallop whack whomp zap
WEAK
outhit outjump plow under run roughshod over take it all take to cleaners work over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fail forfeit lose surrender
WEAK
abet aid encourage give up help inspirit
VERB
frustrate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blank outwit thwart
STRONG
baffle balk block bury checkmate circumvent confound contravene cook counterplot cross disappoint discomfit disconcert disprove foil invalidate neutralize nonplus nullify overturn puzzle quell reduce refute ruin scuttle shave shellac skunk spoil squash stump subdue subjugate surmount undo victimize
WEAK
beat down beat the system cast down cause setback edge out nose out put end to take the wind out of (one's) sails throw for loop
Antonyms
STRONG
abet aid allow approve assist clarify clear up endorse enlighten explain grow help open permit prove support surrender validate win yield
WEAK
encourage give up inspirit lose

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Warren 5, La Mirada 1: The Bears handed a rare league defeat to La Mirada.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

On the last day of the regular season, all six tasted defeat one final time, by a whopping 127 points combined.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Now - after a home defeat by Leeds - Manchester United and head coach Michael Carrick travel to the same venue on Saturday with major questions to answer as well.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Benin presidential election favourite Romuald Wadagni headed for victory Monday as his opponent conceded defeat even as votes were still being counted.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

But . . . if the Gospels were truly the pattern of God’s activity, then defeat was only the beginning.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing defeat

Trumps

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"The Sporting Spirit"

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Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 4

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