First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
vanquish
verb van·quish \ˈvaŋ-kwish, ˈvan-\
: to defeat (someone) completely in a war, battle, etc.
Full Definition of VANQUISH
transitive verb
1
: to overcome in battle : subdue completely
2
: to defeat in a conflict or contest
3
: to gain mastery over (an emotion, passion, or temptation) <vanquish your fear>
— van·quish·able \-kwi-shə-bəl\ adjective
— van·quish·er noun
See vanquish defined for English-language learners
See vanquish defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of VANQUISH
Middle English venquishen, from Anglo-French venquis-, preterit stem of veintre to conquer, from Latin vincere — more at victor
Related to VANQUISH
Synonym Discussion of VANQUISH
conquer, vanquish, defeat, subdue, reduce, overcome, overthrow mean to get the better of by force or strategy. conquer implies gaining mastery of <Caesar conquered Gaul>. vanquish implies a complete overpowering <vanquished the enemy and ended the war>. defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals <the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas>. subdue implies a defeating and suppression <subdued the native tribes after years of fighting>. reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender <the city was reduced after a month-long siege>. overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle <overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks>. overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power <violently overthrew the old regime>.
VANQUISHING Defined for Kids
vanquish
verb van·quish \ˈvaŋ-kwish\
van·quishedvan·quish·ing
Definition of VANQUISH for Kids
: overcome 1
Learn More About VANQUISH
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: vanquishmentPrevious Word in the Dictionary: vanpoolAll Words Near: vanquish
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up vanquish? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).