defeat

The word "defeat" is very similar to the word "beat."

• Our team defeated the other team because we played harder and we worked together.
• Our team beat the other team.
• John defeated his opponent in the second round of boxing.
• His opponent was defeated in the second round. (This sentence is in the passive voice, past tense.)
• The army had hoped to quickly defeat the rebellion, but it didn’t.
• Microsoft usually defeats its competitiors, but lately it has been losing ground.

You can also use "defeat" as a noun:

• The team experienced a major deafeat.
• This is a defeat that they will not forget.
• The defeat was felt by the entire nation.
• Goliath went down in defeat against David who was much smaller but very smart.

David versus Goliath

The word "defeated" can be used as an adjective.

• There was not a warm welcome for the defeated team upon its return home.
• The defeated country had to change its borders after the war was over.
• Maria didn’t do very well in school this semester. She feels defeated.

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This page was first published on August 5, 2012. It was updated on March 12, 2016.