defeat

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The “Histories” of Herodotus, likely composed in the mid-fifth-century B.C., recounted the Persian defeat as a paradigm of the perils of reckless imperialism.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

Nobody in either country voted for any of this, but perhaps the enduring lesson of the Cuban tragedy is that change is always possible, even in the darkest hour, and defeat is not forever.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

As Roy turned her gavel into a warhammer to defeat the dragon, one supporter shouted out that he would pay $150 for her to automatically do maximum damage.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

German second seed Alexander Zverev generally looks beaten by Sinner before he steps onto the court, as demonstrated by a limp 6-1 6-2 defeat in a Madrid final which proved to be a non-contest.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

In the public’s view, Lincoln's killing had been a rare event, perpetrated by Confederates enraged about the South's defeat in the Civil War and fearful of Lincoln's actions in the aftermath.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow