defeat
HighNeutral; used across formal, informal, academic, and news registers.
Definition
Meaning
To win a victory over someone in a battle, competition, or election; to cause someone or something to fail.
In abstract contexts, it can refer to overcoming an obstacle, a proposal, or a feeling. It also signifies the state of being beaten.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries a strong connotation of finality and decisive loss. Often implies an active opponent or obstacle. Can be used transitively and intransitively (e.g., 'They were defeated').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical difference. Slight preference in UK English for 'defeat' in political contexts ('defeat the motion'), while US English might also use 'vote down'. Sports usage is identical.
Connotations
Identical core meaning. In US political media, 'defeat' can sometimes carry a more emphatic, dramatic connotation.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SBJ] defeat [OBJ][OBJ] be defeated by [SBJ][SBJ] defeat [OBJ] in [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “snatch defeat from the jaws of victory”
- “a defeat snatched from the jaws of victory”
- “defeatist attitude”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for competitive outcomes: 'The new startup could defeat established players.' Or for proposals: 'Shareholders defeated the merger plan.'
Academic
Used in history, political science, and game theory: 'The theory was defeated by contradictory evidence.'
Everyday
Common in sports, games, and personal challenges: 'I finally defeated my fear of public speaking.'
Technical
In law: 'The motion was defeated.' In computing/gaming: 'The player must defeat the final boss.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The home side defeated their rivals in a thrilling cup final.
- The amendment was defeated by 20 votes.
- She was determined to defeat the incumbent MP.
American English
- The Lakers defeated the Celtics last night.
- The bill was defeated in the Senate.
- Our new strategy should defeat the competition.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No direct adverb form; use 'in defeat').
American English
- N/A (No direct adverb form; use 'in defeat').
adjective
British English
- The defeated army retreated from the field. (past participle as adjective)
- A defeated look crossed his face.
American English
- The defeated candidate gave a gracious concession speech.
- She walked off with a defeated sigh.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Our team defeated the other team.
- He felt sad after the defeat.
- The champion defeated all the challengers easily.
- The government suffered a major defeat in parliament.
- They refused to admit defeat.
- Despite a strong campaign, she was defeated by a margin of 5%.
- The new evidence defeated the prosecution's argument completely.
- A series of defeats left the company morale low.
- The general's ingenious manoeuvre defeated the enemy's numerical superiority.
- The very complexity of the regulations defeats their intended purpose.
- His proposal was narrowly defeated after a marathon debate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The feat was de-done.' (De-feat). Imagine removing someone's 'feat' (achievement) to defeat them.
Conceptual Metaphor
WAR/COMPETITION IS A JOURNEY WITH AN ENDPOINT (the defeat); OPPOSITION IS AN OBSTACLE TO BE OVERCOME.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'defect' (дефект). The Russian verb 'разбить' is often too physical; 'defeat' is broader. 'Поражение' is the noun; ensure correct verb form ('to defeat' vs. 'to be defeated').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'win against' instead of 'defeat' (He won against me -> He defeated me).
- Confusing 'defeat' (verb) with 'defect' (noun/verb).
- Incorrect preposition: 'defeat to someone' (correct: 'defeat someone' or 'lose to someone').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'defeat' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While common in competitive contexts, it's widely used for abstract 'opponents' like fear, a purpose, a proposal, or an argument.
'Defeat' is slightly more formal and final-sounding, common in official, military, and political contexts. 'Beat' is more colloquial and common in everyday sports/games. They are often interchangeable, but 'defeat' can sound more decisive.
Yes. As a verb: 'They hope to defeat them.' As a noun: 'The defeat was unexpected.'
Very similar. 'Concede defeat' often implies a formal, public admission, especially in politics or structured competitions. 'Admit defeat' can be more personal and internal.