defeat
verb (used with object)
to overcome in a contest, election, battle, etc.; prevail over; vanquish.
was defeating
-
past progressiveof defeat.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
One of his proudest moments was defeating a Brazil team on its home soil.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026
When the incumbent Democrat announced his retirement in early 2014, Ms. Stefanik’s main challenge was defeating his previous opponent, a self-funding businessman, in the Republican primary.
From New York Times ● Dec. 31, 2022
The Reign’s first match at Lumen was defeating Portland 2-1 last summer as part of a doubleheader with the Sounders.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 18, 2022
Janes said the paperwork required was defeating; a missing ID number or lost document meant no benefit.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 11, 2021
Unconsciously Mr. Hearty was defeating his object and infecting his guests with his own nervousness.
From Bindle Some Chapters in the Life of Joseph Bindle by Herbert George Jenkins
