The meaning of DEFEAT is to win victory over : beat. How to use defeat in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Defeat.

Analysts warn US could be “shocked and defeated” after Ukraine defeats NATO in simulation© Drop of Light / Shutterstock.com

DEFEAT definition: to overcome in a contest, election, battle, etc.; prevail over; vanquish. See examples of defeat used in a sentence.

Obviously recent defeats, outrage at domestic political developments and unfavourable international circumstances all played a major role in such a cycle of commitment.

These verbs mean to triumph over an adversary: defeated the opposing team by fourteen points; beat her competitor in the race for first place; conquered the enemy after a long battle; routed all …

Writing down your password so you remember it defeats the purpose of having a password. Staying late at the office to discuss shorter working hours rather defeats the object of the exercise!

2 days ago · Megan Keller scores OT winner, USA defeats Canada to win gold in women’s hockey Team USA won its third gold medal all-time in women’s Olympic hockey

to overcome in a contest; beat:He was defeated in the last election. to frustrate; thwart:This kind of problem always defeats me.

The word 'defeats' originated from the Latin word 'deficere', meaning 'fail' or 'disappoint'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify overcoming an opponent in battle or competition.

1 day ago · Down one with minutes to play, Hilary Knight led a frantic comeback as the U.S. women's hockey team defeated Canada in overtime to win gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.