from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Defeat \De*feat"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Defeated}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Defeating}.] [From F. d['e]fait, OF. desfait, p. p. ofe
d['e]faire, OF. desfaire, to undo; L. dis- + facere to do.
See {Feat}, {Fact}, and cf. {Disfashion}.]
1. To undo; to disfigure; to destroy. [Obs.]
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His unkindness may defeat my life. --Shak.
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2. To render null and void, as a title; to frustrate, as
hope; to deprive, as of an estate.
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He finds himself naturally to dread a superior Being
that can defeat all his designs, and disappoint all
his hopes. --Tillotson.
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The escheators . . . defeated the right heir of his
succession. --Hallam.
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In one instance he defeated his own purpose. --A. W.
Ward.
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3. To overcome or vanquish, as an army; to check, disperse,
or ruin by victory; to overthrow.
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4. To resist with success; as, to defeat an assault.
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Sharp reasons to defeat the law. --Shak.
Syn: To baffle; disappoint; frustrate.
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