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Antonyms for defeat


Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : dih-feet
Phonetic Transcription : dɪˈfit



Definition of defeat

Origin :
  • late 14c., from Anglo-French defeter, from Old French desfait, past participle of desfaire "to undo," from Vulgar Latin *diffacere "undo, destroy," from Latin dis- "un-, not" (see dis-) + facere "to do, perform" (see factitious). Original sense was of "bring ruination, cause destruction." Military sense of "conquer" is c.1600. Related: Defeated; defeating.
  • noun overthrow, beating
  • noun frustration
  • verb conquer in military manner
  • verb conquer in athletic contest
  • verb frustrate
Example sentences :
  • Then there came upon him to reinforce this want a burning sense of defeat.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • In my lifetime—in depression and in war—they have awaited our defeat.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • You know what you have to expect from the Syracusans, if this last struggle should end in defeat.
  • Extract from : « Stories from Thucydides » by H. L. Havell
  • Yes, they were wolves leaping at the throat of her father, and joying in the defeat of Lucretia.
  • Extract from : « Thoroughbreds » by W. A. Fraser
  • Lucretia's defeat in the Handicap had increased his despondency.
  • Extract from : « Thoroughbreds » by W. A. Fraser
  • This junction O'Neill was determined to defeat, and did defeat it;—but let us not anticipate.
  • Extract from : « Ridgeway » by Scian Dubh
  • She had a wicked delight in the defeat of his strategy which she could cleverly conceal.
  • Extract from : « Quaint Courtships » by Various
  • Again Janet looked up, with defeat perching amid her freckles.
  • Extract from : « Quaint Courtships » by Various
  • In his absence, Fitzpiers died, and this quite consoled him for his defeat.
  • Extract from : « Cameos from English History, from Rollo to Edward II » by Charlotte Mary Yonge
  • She was not in harmony with the old man, and would do nothing to defeat my plan.
  • Extract from : « Green Mansions » by W. H. Hudson

Synonyms for defeat

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019