GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 2 definitions
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Defeat (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defeated; p. pr. & vb. n. Defeating.] [From F. défait, OF. desfait, p. p. ofe défaire, OF. desfaire, to undo; L. dis- + facere to do. See Feat, Fact, and cf. Disfashion.]
1. To undo; to disfigure; to destroy. [Obs.]
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His unkindness may defeat my life. Shak.
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2. To render null and void, as a title; to frustrate, as hope; to deprive, as of an estate.
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He finds himself naturally to dread a superior Being that can defeat all his designs, and disappoint all his hopes. Tillotson.
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The escheators . . . defeated the right heir of his succession. Hallam.
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In one instance he defeated his own purpose. A. W. Ward.
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3. To overcome or vanquish, as an army; to check, disperse, or ruin by victory; to overthrow.
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4. To resist with success; as, “to defeat an assault”.
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Sharp reasons to defeat the law. Shak.
Syn. -- To baffle; disappoint; frustrate.
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Defeat, n. [Cf. F. défaite, fr. défaire. See Defeat, v.]
1. An undoing or annulling; destruction. [Obs.]
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Upon whose property and most dear life
A damned defeat was made. Shak.
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2. Frustration by rendering null and void, or by prevention of success; as, “the defeat of a plan or design”.
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3. An overthrow, as of an army in battle; loss of a battle; repulse suffered; discomfiture; -- opposed to victory.
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