verb

vanquish

VANGK-wihsh

verb

To defeat someone or something completely, especially in a fight or contest.

"The knight vanquished his rival in single combat."

"The team vanquished every opponent on their way to the championship."

How to Use Vanquish

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo vanquish someone is to beat them thoroughly and decisively — stronger and more dramatic than just "win against."

When to use it

A fairly formal or literary word; everyday speech usually just says "beat" or "defeat."

Common pairings

vanquish an enemy vanquish a foe vanquished opponent

vanquished past tense, vanquishes singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The knight _____ his rival in single combat.

From Old French veincre, going back to Latin vincere, "to conquer" — the same root that gives us "convince" and "invincible."

bluish squish anguish languish relinquish extinguish distinguish