defeat
verb (used with object)
to overcome in a contest, election, battle, etc.; prevail over; vanquish.
defeats
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pluralof defeat.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof defeat (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
defeatverb (used with object)to overcome in a contest, election, battle, etc.; prevail over; vanquish.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Speaking on ABC, commentator Jim Maxwell described the result as one of the most "embarrassing defeats that Australia have ever suffered in Test cricket".
From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026
About the 10th or 12th time Spidey defeats a gaggle of adversaries by wrapping them up in webs, this series seems entangled in its own predictability.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026
In March, the company suffered defeats in landmark court cases in California and New Mexico that accused it of giving priority to growth over the safety of its underage users.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
Like any political operative, he had his share of defeats.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026
“It is light that defeats the dark,” he said stammering,—“light.”
From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin
