defeatv. t.[From F. dfait, OF. desfait, p. p. ofe dfaire, OF. desfaire, to undo; L. dis- + facere to do. See Feat, Fact, and cf. Disfashion.]1. To undo; to disfigure; to destroy.()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.)()n.[Cf. F. dfaite, fr. dfaire. See Defeat, v.]1. An undoing or annulling; destruction.()Upon whose property and most dear life
A damned defeat was made. (Shak.)2. Frustration by rendering null and void, or by prevention of success; as, the defeat of a plan or design.()3. An overthrow, as of an army in battle; loss of a battle; repulse suffered; discomfiture; -- opposed to victory.()