défaite

defeat

noun deh-FET Rare

Usage Note

Défaite is the opposite of victoire (victory). It is used in sports, politics, and military contexts. Admettre sa défaite means to admit defeat. The adjective défaitiste (defeatist) comes from it. The final 'e' is silent and the word is always feminine.

Examples

"L'équipe a subi une défaite humiliante."

Natural Translation

The team suffered a humiliating defeat.

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