Defeat Meaning
Defeat Definition & Usage
To lose or be overcome in a contest, battle, or challenge.
Examples
- "After hours of intense negotiations, they were finally defeated by the opposition's stronger argument."
- "The team fought hard but was ultimately defeated in the championship game."
- "He felt defeated after hearing the news of his rejection from the university."
- "The army was decisively defeated after a long siege, leading to their retreat."
- "She defeated her personal best time in the marathon by two minutes."
The act of being beaten or losing a contest or battle.
Examples
- "The defeat in the election was a major blow to his political career."
- "After the crushing defeat, the defeated team struggled to regain its confidence."
- "He could not accept the defeat and kept replaying the match in his mind."
- "Despite their earlier defeats, the rebels rallied for one final attempt at victory."
- "The general's defeat led to the fall of his empire."
To conquer or overpower an enemy or competitor.
Examples
- "The general's forces were able to defeat the invaders after a series of strategic battles."
- "She defeated her rival in the final round of the competition, securing the gold medal."
- "The army managed to defeat the insurgents after months of conflict."
- "In the final minutes of the game, the underdogs defeated the reigning champions in a stunning upset."
- "The player defeated his opponent in straight sets, showing complete dominance."
Cultural Context
The concept of defeat is culturally embedded in competition, warfare, and personal challenges across various societies. In both historical and modern contexts, defeat has been linked to feelings of shame or loss but also to the potential for learning, growth, and eventual triumph. In sports, military, and even personal development, defeat is often seen as a part of the process of striving for success.
The Final Set
Story
The Final Set
David had spent months preparing for the tournament. He trained every day, pushing his body beyond its limits. But when the final match came, it was as though the weight of the world had fallen on his shoulders. His opponent, a younger player, moved with a speed and skill that left David reeling. Every attempt he made to regain control of the game was swiftly countered. He had never felt so defeated in his life, not just by the game, but by his own body, which no longer moved as quickly as he needed it to. As the final point was called, David slumped to the ground, his heart sinking with the defeat. The crowd cheered for his opponent, but all David could feel was the sting of failure. His coach, who had been by his side through all the ups and downs of the competition, approached him. “You did your best,” she said, but David was unconvinced. “No, I lost. I failed.” But over time, as he reflected on the defeat, he began to understand that this loss was not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter. He could learn from his mistakes, train harder, and return stronger. Defeat, it seemed, had not ended his journey—it had reshaped it. And when he returned to the courts next year, he was no longer the same player. He had grown stronger in the face of adversity, understanding that the true victory came not from avoiding defeat but from embracing it and learning from it.
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