Vanquish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vanquish

[ˈvæŋkwɪʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in battle

To defeat thoroughly in a battle or competition.

Synonyms

conquer, defeat, overcome, triumph over.

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Word Description / Examples
vanquish

Used in formal or literary contexts to describe completely defeating someone or something, often in battle or competition.

  • He vowed to vanquish his enemies and restore peace to the kingdom.
  • The army vanquished the rebels after a long and brutal conflict.
conquer

Typically used to describe taking control over a place or people by use of force, or overcoming a difficult challenge.

  • Alexander the Great conquered much of the known world.
  • She managed to conquer her fears and speak in public.
defeat

General term for winning against someone in a competition, conflict, or fight. It can have a negative connotation when talking about people.

  • The team was defeated in the final match.
  • He was determined not to be defeated by the challenges he faced.
overcome

Often used to describe successfully dealing with or gaining control over something difficult or detrimental.

  • She overcame many obstacles to achieve her dream.
  • He struggled to overcome his addiction.
triumph over

Used to describe achieving victory or success against difficulties or opposition, often with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

  • The underdog team triumphed over their rivals in a historic win.
  • She triumphed over adversity to become a successful entrepreneur.

Examples of usage

  • The army vanquished their enemies and emerged victorious.
  • She vanquished her opponent in the final round of the competition.
Context #2 | Verb

in a struggle

To overcome or overpower by superior force.

Synonyms

crush, dominate, overwhelm, subdue.

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Word Description / Examples
vanquish

When referring to a decisive and conclusive victory, often used in the context of battles, competitions, or conflicts.

  • The knight managed to vanquish the dragon, bringing peace to the kingdom
  • The team worked hard to vanquish their rivals in the final match
overwhelm

Typically used when referring to situations where someone or something is defeated due to being overpowered or inundated, also can be emotional or situational contexts.

  • The runner was overwhelmed by the heat and fatigue
  • The sheer volume of work was starting to overwhelm the team
subdue

Used to describe bringing something or someone under control, often through force but also through persuasion or other means.

  • The police managed to subdue the suspect without any injuries
  • The warriors had to subdue their emotions to stay focused
crush

Used to describe defeating someone or something in a powerful, almost brutal manner, often indicating sheer force or complete and utter domination.

  • The heavyweight champion crushed his opponent in the first round
  • The rebellion was crushed mercilessly
dominate

This word describes having a commanding influence or control over someone or something, often used in the context of sports, business, or relationships.

  • The home team dominated the game from start to finish
  • The tech company continues to dominate the market

Examples of usage

  • She vanquished her fear and stepped boldly into the unknown.
  • He vanquished his inner demons and found peace within himself.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • This term frequently appears in stories about heroes defeating monsters or tyrants.
  • Shakespeare used the word in 'Henry VI,' reflecting its ties to valor and conflict in historical contexts.
  • In epic poems, vanquishing enemies often represents moral and thematic triumphs.

Military History

  • Used to describe battles where one army completely defeats another, like in the decisive battles of history.
  • Famous military leaders like Napoleon and Alexander the Great were known for their ability to vanquish opponents.
  • The word is often linked to strategies that lead to total domination in warfare.

Psychology

  • In personal development, to vanquish fears or doubts means to overcome them fully.
  • Mental resilience can be seen as a way to vanquish negative thoughts that hinder success.
  • The concept of 'vanquishing' one's inner critic is a common theme in motivational literature.

Pop Culture

  • In video games, players often aim to vanquish bosses to progress through levels.
  • Movies depicting heroes usually include a climax where the protagonist vanquishes the villain in an epic showdown.
  • The word appears in various songs and poetry, symbolizing the struggle and triumph of facing challenges.

Origin of 'vanquish'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'vincere,' meaning 'to conquer.'
  • The term came into Middle English through the Old French 'vanquiss-', showing its long history in languages.
  • Related words include 'victory' and 'invincible,' both sharing roots tied to overcoming challenges.

The word 'vanquish' originated from Middle English 'venquishen', from Old French 'vainquir', from Latin 'vincere' meaning 'to conquer'. The term has been used since the 14th century to denote the act of defeating or overpowering someone or something in a decisive way.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,918, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.