Defeat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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defeat
[dɪˈfiːt ]
Definitions
in battle
To defeat someone means to win a victory over them in a battle, game, or contest.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| defeat |
Use this word when describing a situation where someone or something loses in a competition, battle, or struggle.
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| beat |
This word is suitable for informal contexts where one competitor wins over another, usually in sports, games, or casual competitions.
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| conquer |
This word is appropriate for dramatic or historical contexts, often involving overcoming significant challenges, enemies, or fears.
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| overcome |
Use this word when describing the act of successfully dealing with difficulties, challenges, fears, or obstacles.
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Examples of usage
- The army was defeated in a fierce battle.
- She defeated her opponent in the tennis match.
in sports
The fact of being defeated in a game or competition.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| defeat |
Similar to the first 'defeat'. Another way of emphasizing a significant loss, often used in sports, military, or competitive contexts.
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| loss |
Refers to the state of no longer having something or someone. It can refer to both tangible and intangible things and is often used in personal or emotional contexts.
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| failure |
Used to describe the lack of success in achieving a goal or objective. It has a broader application and doesn't necessarily involve a direct competition.
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| setback |
Describes a temporary obstacle or delay that hampers progress but implies that further effort can lead to eventual success. Often used in business or personal development contexts.
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Examples of usage
- We suffered a defeat in the final match.
- The team was disappointed by their defeat.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Old French 'defaitre', meaning 'to undo', which reflects how losing can take away accomplishments.
- In Latin, it traces back to 'defacere', meaning 'to do away with', emphasizing the sense of overcoming or cancelling out opponent's efforts.
Psychology
- Experiencing defeat can produce feelings of disappointment and frustration, but it can also motivate individuals to improve and try again.
- Studies show that individuals often learn more from their defeats than their victories, as losses can highlight areas for growth.
Sports
- In competitive sports, defeat can serve as a pivotal moment, often leading athletes to reassess their strategies and training.
- Many legendary athletes consider their defeats as critical learning experiences that shaped their later successes.
Literature
- Defeat is a common theme in literature, often used to develop characters through their struggles and resilience.
- In many classic tales, the protagonists face defeat before achieving success, underscoring the importance of perseverance.
Pop Culture
- Movies often portray defeat as an essential step in the hero's journey, where characters learn valuable life lessons.
- Famous quotes about defeat often inspire resilience, such as, 'Defeat is simply the addition of time to a sentence,' attributed to Don Ward.
Origin of 'defeat'
The word 'defeat' originated from the Latin word 'deficere', meaning 'to fail' or 'to be lacking'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in English, referring to the act of overcoming an opponent or being unsuccessful in a competition. The concept of defeat has been present throughout human history, from ancient battles to modern sports competitions, symbolizing the struggle for victory and the acceptance of loss.
See also: defeatable, defeated, defeating, defeatism, defeatist, defeats, undefeatable.