defeat · ​. to win against somebody in a war, competition, sports game, etc. synonym beat · ​. to stop something from being successful · ​defeat somebody (formal) ...

[uncountable, countable] failure to win or to be successful. The party faces defeat in the election. They suffered a narrow defeat in the final.

failure to win or to be successful; The party faces defeat in the election. a narrow/heavy defeat; The world champion has only had two defeats in 20 fights.

1defeat somebody/something to win against someone in a war, competition, sports game, etc. · 2defeat somebody (formal) if something defeats you, you cannot ...

There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective defeat, one of which is labelled obsolete. See 'Meaning & use' for definitions.

​[usually before noun] having been beaten in a battle or contest. The defeated army slowly made its way back home. The winner paid tribute to her defeated ...

[uncountable] (disapproving) the attitude of expecting not to succeed, and showing it in a particular situation.

to win against someone in a fight, war, or competition: Napoleon was defeated by the Duke of Wellington at the battle of Waterloo.

eliminate somebody (formal) to kill someone, especially an enemy or opponent Most of the regime's left-wing opponents were eliminated. elimination.

1[transitive] beat somebody (at something) to defeat someone in a game or competition He beat me at chess. · 2[transitive] beat something to get control of ...