Synonyms

vanquish

American

[vang-kwish, van-] / ˈvæŋ kwɪʃ, ˈvæn- /

verb (used with object)

to conquer or subdue by superior force, as in battle.

Synonyms:

quell, crush, suppress, subjugate
to defeat in any contest or conflict; be victorious over.

to vanquish one's opponent in an argument.
to overcome or overpower.

He vanquished all his fears.

vanquish British

/ ˈvæŋkwɪʃ /

verb

to defeat or overcome in a battle, contest, etc; conquer
to defeat or overcome in argument or debate
to conquer (an emotion)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Conjugated Forms

Present

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Etymology

Origin of vanquish

1300–50; Middle English vencuschen, venquisshen < Old French vencus past participle and venquis past tense of veintre < Latin vincere to overcome

Explanation

To vanquish is to be the complete and total winner, to overpower and overcome, whether in a contest, a race, or a war. It generally suggests a total trouncing, to the point of humiliation — or worse — for the loser. Sometimes words for the same thing are effective in different ways because they offer different levels of meaning. For example, in a game, you can simply win, or you can vanquish your opponent. The former is enough, but the latter makes that defeat sound so much worse, like a total rout. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once stated, "Against war it may be said that it makes the victor stupid and the vanquished revengeful."

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Vocabulary lists containing vanquish

Grade 10, List 1

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The Tragedy of Macbeth

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"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 19–24

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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.

The three other horses, named Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish, have returned to duty and will likely be able to take part in King Charles III’s birthday parade on June 15.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024

But BBC News has identified Vanquish bosses with links to Mr Barrowman and seen emails sent by Vanquish from the same IP address as his Isle of Man HQ.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2024

Tax experts suggest there are grounds to open a criminal investigation into Vanquish Options.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2024

“He wanted an Aston Martin Vanquish, so I got him an Aston Martin Vanquish — my way,” Bakhtiari said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2021

Vanquish, O uncle, the mighty Bhimasena in battle.

From The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 3 Books 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 by Ganguli, Kisari Mohan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023