defeat
The underdog team managed to defeat the reigning champions.
The weaker team surprisingly won against the strongest team.
To win against someone in a competition, battle, or contest.
She defeated her opponent in the chess tournament.
She won against her opponent in the chess competition.
The army was defeated in the final battle.
The army lost the final battle.
Can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as defeating a problem or challenge.
To overcome or conquer something difficult or challenging.
He finally defeated his fear of public speaking.
He overcame his fear of speaking in front of people.
Often used metaphorically to describe overcoming obstacles or personal struggles.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'defeat' when referring to winning in a competition or overcoming a challenge.
Gold Rule
Transitive vs. Intransitive
'Defeat' is typically transitive (requires an object), but it can also be used intransitively (e.g., 'The team defeated').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'defeaten,' from Old French 'desfaitre,' from Latin 'dis-' (apart) + 'facere' (to do).
Usage Notes
Can be used as both a transitive verb (requires an object) and an intransitive verb (does not require an object, e.g., 'The team defeated').