Entry Word: defeat

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 failure to win a contest <sore losers griping about their defeat in the basketball game earlier that week>

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

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

Near Antonyms accomplishment, achievement; landslide, sweep

Antonyms success, triumph, victory, win

2 a falling short of oneʼs goals <truly disheartened by the defeat of his plans> — see failure 2