<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to overcome in a contest, election, battle, etc.; prevail over; vanquish:<ul><li>They defeated the enemy.</li><li>She defeated her brother at tennis.</li></ul></li><li>Synonyms: subdue, rout, overthrow, overwhelm.</li><li>to frustrate; thwart.</li><li>Synonyms: balk, baffle, foil.</li><li>to eliminate or deprive of something expected:<ul><li>The early returns defeated his hopes of election.</li></ul></li><li>Law: to annul.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the act of overcoming in a contest: an overwhelming defeat of all opposition.</li><li>an instance of defeat; setback:<ul><li>He considered his defeat a personal affront.</li></ul></li><li>an overthrow or overturning; vanquishment: the defeat of a government.</li><li>Synonyms: downfall.</li><li>a bringing to naught; frustration:<ul><li>the defeat of all his hopes and dreams.</li></ul></li><li>the act or event of being bested; a beating:<ul><li>Defeat is not something she abides easily.</li></ul></li><li>Archaic: undoing; destruction; ruin.</li></ul>