DEFEAT

v. n.

7 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
v.

To undo; to disfigure; to destroy. [Obs.] His unkindness may defeat my life. Shak.

2.
v.

To render null and void, as a title; to frustrate, as hope; to deprive, as of an estate. He finds himself naturally to dread a superior Being that can defeat all his designs, and disappoint all his hopes. Tillotson. The escheators . . . defeated the right heir of his succession. Hallam. In one instance he defeated his own purpose. A. W. Ward.

3.
v.

To overcome or vanquish, as an army; to check, disperse, or ruin by victory; to overthrow.

4.
v.

To resist with success; as, to defeat an assault. Sharp reasons to defeat the law. Shak.

5.
n.

An undoing or annulling; destruction. [Obs.] Upon whose property and most dear life A damned defeat was made. Shak.

6.
n.

Frustration by rendering null and void, or by prevention of success; as, the defeat of a plan or design.

7.
n.

An overthrow, as of an army in battle; loss of a battle; repulse suffered; discomfiture; -- opposed to victory.


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