défaite
/de.fɛt/
defeat
L'équipe a subi une défaite écrasante.
The team suffered a crushing defeat.
general
A loss in a competition, battle, or contest.
La défaite de l'équipe a été un choc pour les fans.
The team's defeat was a shock to the fans.
Can refer to sports, elections, or military conflicts.
general
A setback or failure in achieving a goal.
Malgré la défaite, il n'a pas abandonné.
Despite the setback, he did not give up.
Used metaphorically for personal or professional challenges.
Collocations
subir une défaiteto suffer a defeatéviter la défaiteto avoid defeat
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
Use 'défaite' for formal or significant losses, not minor setbacks.
Gold Rule
Gender Agreement
Always feminine ('la défaite'), as it is a feminine noun.
Word Origin
From Old French 'desfaitte', past participle of 'desfaire' (to undo, defeat).
Usage Notes
Often used in sports, politics, and military contexts. Can also describe personal failures.
Word Breakdown
dé-
undo, reverse
prefix-faite
made, done
suffixDictionnaire Français-Anglais