vanquish

[ vang-kwish, van- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to conquer or subdue by superior force, as in battle.

   Synonyms: quell, crush, suppress, subjugate

2. to defeat in any contest or conflict; be victorious over:

   to vanquish one's opponent in an argument.

3. to overcome or overpower:

   He vanquished all his fears.

vanquish

/ ˈvæŋkwɪʃ /

verb

1. to defeat or overcome in a battle, contest, etc; conquer
2. to defeat or overcome in argument or debate
3. to conquer (an emotion)

Derived Forms

• ˈvanquishable, adjective
• ˈvanquisher, noun
• ˈvanquishment, noun

Other Words From

• vanquish·a·ble adjective
• vanquish·er noun
• vanquish·ment noun
• un·vanquish·a·ble adjective
• un·vanquished adjective
• un·vanquish·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vanquish¹

1300–50; Middle English vencuschen, venquisshen < Old French vencus past participle and venquis past tense of veintre < Latin vincere to overcome

Word History and Origins

Origin of vanquish¹

C14: vanquisshen, from Old French venquis vanquished, from veintre to overcome, from Latin vincere

Example Sentences

Unfortunately for us, we could not vanquish him sufficiently to prevent his return.

From Salon

The Yankees had been vanquished, and before them the New York Mets.

From Los Angeles Times

The MSG rehash of his nomination was triumphant return to New York after being politically vanquished, tried and convicted.

From Salon

They said she was stupid and basically a "DEI" or "affirmative action" or "quota" hire, "the enemy within" to be vanquished.

From Salon

The demand for justice for a woman resonates with Durga Puja anyway, a festival built around a goddess vanquishing evil.

From BBC

Related Words

• conquer
• crush
• overcome
• overpower
• quell
• repress
• rout
• subdue
• surmount