Spanish word

vencer

Pronunciation

IPA/benˈθeɾ/

Meaning

  • verbdefeat, beat

Example

El equipo contrario nos venció en la final.

The opposing team defeated us in the final.

Illustration for vencer (defeat)

More examples

Tengo que vencer mi miedo a hablar en público.

I have to overcome my fear of public speaking.

Core concept

A person stepping out from beneath a dark cloud.

Common phrases

  • vencer a alguien

    defeat someone

  • vencer el miedo

    overcome fear

Similar words

ganar: Take first place in an event or match by winning according to the rules.
derrotar: Overpower an opponent in battle or sports so they suffer a clear defeat.
superar: Work through a challenge or emotion until it no longer blocks action.
rendir: Break an opponent's resistance so they submit or obey.

Definition in Spanish

Derrotar o superar a una persona, un obstáculo o un sentimiento; también utilizarse para indicar que un plazo o periodo llega a su fin.

Word origin

From Latin vincere 'to conquer', the verb acquires a metaphorical sense of mastering internal states such as fear or grief.

Usage tips

  • When describing feelings, Spanish often makes the feeling the subject, so 'me venció la vergüenza' literally 'shame defeated me' rather than 'I defeated shame'.

Other meanings

  • overcomeverb
  • expireverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word