Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DE-FEAT', n. [Fr. defaite, from defaire, to undo; de and faire.]

1. Overthrow; loss of battle; the check, rout, or destruction of an army by the victory of an enemy.
2. Successful resistance; as, the defeat of an attack.
3. Frustration; a rendering null and void; as, the defeat of a title.
4. Frustration; prevention of success; as, the defeat of a plan or design.