Sports / B1

di-FEET/dɪˈfiːt/

To defeat is to win against someone: defeat a bill; defeat a team. As a noun it is a loss. Beat is more everyday; lose is from the other side. Victory is the opposite noun. Do not mix defeat with defect (a fault). Commons news: the amendment was defeated.

Meaning

To win against someone; as a noun, a loss.

Examples

• “The amendment was defeated in the Commons by twelve votes.”
• “A 3–0 defeat ended their unbeaten run, which is the noun.”

Good to know

defeat a bill / an opponent. Noun: a defeat. Everyday: beat. Opposite noun: victory. Mix-up: defect. Politics: a government defeat.

Near in meaning

beat

Topics

New