# vanquish

/ˈvæŋkwɪʃ/ (US) · /vˈænkwɪʃ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vanquish
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to beat someone or something completely in a fight, game, or contest. You use it when the win is clear and final.

For teachers: to defeat an opponent thoroughly and decisively, especially in battle, sport, or rivalry. Implies complete overpowering rather than a narrow or temporary win.

## Examples

- She trains hard to vanquish her fear of swimming.
- After months of practice, our team finally vanquished the champions in the final match.
- The novel ends as the aging king vanquishes his last rival, only to discover that victory has cost him everything he once loved.

## Synonyms

defeat, conquer, crush, trounce

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.