Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
verb (used with object)
- to conquer or subdue by superior force, as in battle.
- to defeat in any contest or conflict; be victorious over: to vanquish one’s opponent in an argument.
- to overcome or overpower: He vanquished all his fears.
verb (tr)
- to defeat or overcome in a battle, contest, etc; conquer
- to defeat or overcome in argument or debate
- to conquer (an emotion)
early 14c., from Old French venquis (past tense), and vencus (p.p.), from veintre “defeat,” from Latin vincere “defeat” (see victor). Influenced in Middle English by Middle French vainquiss-, present stem of vainquir “conquer,” from Old French vainkir, alteration of veintre. Related: Vanquished; vanquishing.