Definition of: defeat

(di·fēt′) v.t.
1. To overcome in any contest; vanquish.
2. To baffle; circumvent, as plans; frustrate.
3. Law To make void; annul.
4. Obs. To destroy; ruin. See synonyms under BAFFLE, BEAT, CONQUER.
—noun
1. The act or result of defeating; an overthrow; a failure to win or succeed.
2. Prevention; frustration.
3. Law An annulment.
4. Obs. Destruction. See synonyms under LOSS, RUIN. [<OF defeit, pp. of defaire <de- not (<L dis-) + faire do <L facere]