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.