From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]: Defeat \De*feat"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defeated; p. pr. & vb. n. Defeating.] [From F. d['e]fait, OF. desfait, p. p. ofe d['e]faire, OF. desfaire, to undo; L. dis- + facere to do. See Feat, Fact, and cf. Disfashion.] 1. To undo; to disfigure; to destroy. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] His unkindness may defeat my life. --Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. To render null and void, as a title; to frustrate, as hope; to deprive, as of an estate. [1913 Webster] He finds himself naturally to dread a superior Being that can defeat all his designs, and disappoint all his hopes. --Tillotson. [1913 Webster] The escheators . . . defeated the right heir of his succession. --Hallam. [1913 Webster] In one instance he defeated his own purpose. --A. W. Ward. [1913 Webster] 3. To overcome or vanquish, as an army; to check, disperse, or ruin by victory; to overthrow. [1913 Webster] 4. To resist with success; as, to defeat an assault. [1913 Webster] Sharp reasons to defeat the law. --Shak. Syn: To baffle; disappoint; frustrate. [1913 Webster]