defeat

DEFEAT, noun 1. Overthrow; loss of battle; the check, rout, or destruction of an army by the victory of an enemy. 2. Successful resistance; as the defeat of an attack. 3. Frustration; a rendering null and void; as the defeat of a title. 4. Frustration; prevention of success; as the defeat of a plan or design. DEFEAT, verb transitive 1. To overcome or vanquish, as an army; to check, disperse or ruin by victory; to overthrow; applies to an army, or a division of troops; to a fleet, or to a commander. The English army defeated the French on the plains of Abraham. Gen. Wolf defeated Montcalm. The French defeated the Austrians at Marengo. 2. To frustrate; to prevent the success of; to disappoint. Then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. 2 Sam. Xv. And xvii. We say, our dearest hopes are often defeated. 3. To render null and void; as, to defeat a title or an estate. 4. To resist with success; as, to defeat an attempt or assault.