American Dictionary

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Definition defeat in American English

defeat verb

[transitive] verb
/dɪˈfit/
1

to win against someone in a game, fight, or election

Example

The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 2-1.

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2

if something defeats you, it is so difficult that you are unable to do it

Example

The test completely defeated me.

Example

new locks that will defeat most thieves

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3

to prevent something from happening or being successful

Example

The proposal was defeated by 16 votes to 5.

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Definition defeat in American English