defeat: Meaning and Definition of

de•feat

1. to overcome in a contest, election, battle, etc.; prevail over; vanquish: They defeated the enemy. She defeated her brother at tennis.
2. to frustrate; thwart.
3. to eliminate or deprive of something expected: The early returns defeated his hopes of election.
4. to annul.

1. the act of overcoming in a contest: an overwhelming defeat of all opposition.
2. an instance of defeat; setback: He considered his defeat a personal affront.
3. an overthrow or overturning; vanquishment: the defeat of a government.
4. a bringing to naught; frustration: the defeat of all his hopes and dreams.
5. the act or event of being bested; losing: Defeat is not something she abides easily.
6. undoing; destruction; ruin.