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. 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.
Syn. — To baffle; disappoint; frustrate.