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

DEFEAT meaning: 1. to win against someone in a fight, war, or competition: 2. to cause someone or something to…. Learn more.

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

Defeat is the experience of being beaten in a battle, game, or contest, or of failing to achieve what you wanted to. The most important thing is not to admit defeat until you really have to.

To do better than (another) in a competition or battle; win victory over; beat: "Whether we defeat the enemy in one battle, or by degrees, the consequences will be the same" (Thomas Paine).

Defeat suggests beating or frustrating: to defeat an enemy in battle. Conquer implies finally gaining control over, usually after a series of efforts or against systematic resistance: to conquer a country, …

Jan 20, 2026 · Noun defeat (countable and uncountable, plural defeats) The act or instance of being defeated, of being overcome or vanquished; a loss.