DEFEAT

defeat. Defeat, v.t. to overthrow, rout, destroy, disappoint

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De‐feat″ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defeated; p. pr. & vb. n. Defeating.] [[From F. défait, OF. desfait, p. p. ofe défaire, OF. desfaire, to undo; L. dis- + facere to do. See Feat, Fact, and cf. Disfashion.]] 1. 1. To undo; to disfigure; to destroy.
His unkindness may defeat my life. Shak. 2. 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. 3. To overcome or vanquish, as an army; to check, disperse, or ruin by victory; to overthrow.
4. 4. To resist with success; as, to defeat an assault.
Sharp reasons to defeat the law. Shak. Syn. — To baffle; disappoint; frustrate.