Defeat definition

(1) An unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest

"It was a narrow defeat"

"The army's only defeat"

"They suffered a convincing licking"

(2) The feeling that accompanies an experience of being thwarted in attaining your goals

(3) Win a victory over

"You must overcome all difficulties"

"Defeat your enemies"

"He overcame his shyness"

"She conquered here fear of mice"

"He overcame his infirmity"

"Her anger got the better of her and she blew up"

(4) Thwart the passage of

"Kill a motion"

"He shot down the student's proposal"