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"Rout" vs. "defeat": beyond the battle lines of language

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 30/09/2024, 18:31
English.me team member
Rout and defeat. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both words describe a situation where one party overcomes another in conflict or competition.

What is different?

A "rout" implies a disorderly or overwhelming defeat, suggesting complete collapse, while "defeat" is a more general term indicating losing to an opponent.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for rout) and defeat

Examples of usage

Rout
  • The unexpected rout of the home team shocked their fans.
  • The army's rout left the battlefield scattered with equipment.
Defeat
  • The candidate faced a narrow defeat in the election.
  • The team's string of defeats led to a change in management.

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