triumph

¹tri·umph

noun \ˈtrī-əm(p)f\

plural tri·umphs \-əm(p)fs, -əm(p)s\

Definition of TRIUMPH

1

: a ceremony attending the entering of Rome by a general who had won a decisive victory over a foreign enemy — compare ovation 1

2

: the joy or exultation of victory or success

3

a : a victory or conquest by or as if by military force

b : a notable success <the party was a triumph>

— tri·um·phal \trī-ˈəm(p)-fəl\ adjective

Examples of TRIUMPH

1. They earned a magnificent triumph over the invading army.
2. They celebrated their triumph with a parade through the steets of the city.
3. They were able to achieve an important triumph against their chief rivals.
4. Quitting smoking was a personal triumph for her.
5. The party was a triumph.
6. The bridge is an engineering triumph.
7. They had a feeling of triumph after finishing the project.
8. They stood atop the mountain in triumph.

Origin of TRIUMPH

Middle English triumphe, from Old French, from Latin triumphus

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TRIUMPH

Synonyms

achievement, acquirement, attainment, baby, coup, success, accomplishment

Antonyms

nonachievement

Related Words

blockbuster, hit, jackpot, megahit, miracle, smash, winner; conquest, gain, victory, win; skill; deed, feat, performance; arrival, completion, consummation, culmination, execution, fruition, fulfillment (or fulfilment), implementation, realization

Near Antonyms

botch, cock-up [British], mess, muddle, shambles; bummer, bust, catastrophe, debacle (also débâcle), disaster, dud, failure, fiasco, fizzle, flop, washout; disappointment, letdown, loss, setback

²triumph

intransitive verb

Definition of TRIUMPH

1

: to obtain victory : prevail

2

a : to receive the honor of a triumph

b : to celebrate victory or success boastfully or exultingly

Examples of TRIUMPH

1. His favorite team triumphed in the championship game.
2. <despite an accident early on, the runner persevered and ultimately triumphed>

First Known Use of TRIUMPH

1508

Related to TRIUMPH

Synonyms

conquer, prevail, win

Antonyms

lose

Related Words

overcome, sweep; squeak, squeeze; contend, vie; succeed; breeze, romp

Near Antonyms

collapse, fail, flop, fold, wash out; flounder, struggle; decline, slip, slump, wane

triumph

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Ancient Roman ritual procession honouring a general who had won a major battle and killed at least 5,000 of the enemy. Senators and magistrates were followed by sacrificial animals, captured loot, and captives in chains. The general, in a purple-and-gold tunic, rode in a chariot, holding a laurel branch in his right hand and an ivory sceptre in his left, while a slave held a golden crown over his head. Lastly came the soldiers, who sang songs. Under the empire only the emperor and members of his family celebrated triumphs.