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.
Garcia has won 25 of his 28 professional contests, including 20 knockout victories, with two defeats and one no-contest.
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026
The gags are counterbalanced by generous helpings of schmaltz, with much talk of the power of the feminine and how sisterhood defeats all.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
Their only defeats came within hours of each other at the Chargers Invitational, to reigning Southern Section Division I champion JSerra and Bonita Vista, the second-ranked team in the San Diego Section.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
Some plans force you to take the entire balance at once, which defeats the purpose.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026
It’s been a few years since I engaged in urban highway driving, and I give myself high grades for fearless and agile navigation, but eventually the afternoon traffic defeats me.
From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich
