De·feat v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defeated; p. pr. & vb. n. Defeating.]
  1. To undo; to disfigure; to destroy. [Obs.]
     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.