De·feat v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defeated; p. pr. & vb. n. Defeating.]
1. To undo; to disfigure; to destroy. [Obs.]
His unkindness may defeat my life. --Shak.
2. To render null and void, as a title; to frustrate, as hope; to deprive, as of an estate.
He finds himself naturally to dread a superior Being that can defeat all his designs, and disappoint all his hopes. --Tillotson.
The escheators . . . defeated the right heir of his succession. --Hallam.
In one instance he defeated his own purpose. --A. W. Ward.
3. To overcome or vanquish, as an army; to check, disperse, or ruin by victory; to overthrow.
4. To resist with success; as, to defeat an assault.
Sharp reasons to defeat the law. --Shak.
Syn: -- To baffle; disappoint; frustrate.