verb
beat
BEET/biːt/
To overcome an opponent or obstacle.
The chess player beats an opponent who resigns by laying the king down.
Etymology
Old English beatan meant to strike repeatedly or thrash. The meaning broadened from inflicting blows to overcoming an opponent, so beating someone in a contest need not involve physical violence.
In context
needs the opportunity to fight a fighter like Benvdas and beat him to prove he's not just really good, he's great.
More examples
- We leave early to beat the rush-hour traffic.
- Her latest result has beaten the previous record.
- The neighbors find a way to beat the rising heating costs.
Forms
beat · beats · beaten · beating
Similar words
- defeat
- Usually concerns overcoming an opponent rather than avoiding an obstacle.
- outperform
- Specifically means doing better in a measured activity.