defeat

²defeat

noun

Definition of DEFEAT

1

: frustration by nullification or by prevention of success <the bill suffered defeat in the Senate>

2

obsolete : destruction

3

a : an overthrow especially of an army in battle b : the loss of a contest

Examples of DEFEAT

1. We weren't prepared for defeat.
2. One small error could make the difference between success and defeat.
3. After several tries we were forced to accept defeat.
4. They celebrated their defeat of the enemy.

First Known Use of DEFEAT

1590

Related to DEFEAT

Synonyms: beating, drubbing, licking, loss, lump, overthrow, plastering, rout, shellacking, trimming, trouncing, whipping

Antonyms: success, triumph, victory, win

Related Words: collapse, debacle (also débâcle), failure, fiasco, fizzle, flop, nonsuccess, setback, upset; lurch, shutout, washout, whitewash

Near Antonyms: accomplishment, achievement; blowout, cakewalk, landslide, romp, runaway, sweep, walkaway, walkover

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical