Meaning
To overcome in battle or contest.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
From Middle English defeten, from Middle English defet (“disfigured”, past participle) and defet (“defect”, noun), see Etymology 2 below.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
bite the dustcapitulateeat someone's dustforfeitgive uplosestrike one's flagsurrenderrelinquishwave the white flag
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: