Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DE-FEAT', v.t.

1. To overcome or vanquish, as an army; to check, disperse or ruin by victory; to overthrow; applied to an army, or a division of troops; to a fleet, or to a commander. The English army defeated the French on the plains of Abraham. General Wolf defeated Montcalm. The French defeated the Austrians at Marengo.
2. To frustrate; to prevent the success of; to disappoint. We say, our dearest hopes are often defeated. Then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. – 2 Sam. xv, and xvii.
3. To render null and void; as, to defeat a title or an estate.
4. To resist with success; as, to defeat an attempt or assault.