verb
worst
WURST/wɜːrst/
To defeat or get the better of someone.
The chess player worsts her opponent with a decisive checkmate.
Etymology
From the adjective meaning “bad in the highest degree,” the verb first meant to damage someone or inflict loss. It then came to mean getting the advantage over someone in a contest.
More examples
- The younger debater worsted the experienced politician.
- He had been worsted twice by the same rival.
- They succeeded in worsting a much larger team.
Forms
worst · worsts · worsted · worsting
Similar words
- defeat
- The normal everyday choice; worst is less common.
- outdo
- Can surpass an achievement without directly defeating someone.