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 β Aug. 16, 2026
While their primary motivation was defeating Mr. Putin and Mr. Lukashenko, both said that they also wanted to show Ukraine and the world that Belarusians did not support the destruction wrought by the war.
From New York Times β Mar. 24, 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 β Mar. 18, 2022
Janes said the paperwork required was defeating; a missing ID number or lost document meant no benefit.
From Washington Post β Nov. 11, 2021
The accommodating, acquiescent dame, with scarcely strength to speak, was defeating all three of them on that one point.
From The Roll-Call by Arnold Bennett
