derrota
“derrota” means “defeat” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
defeat, loss
Also: rout
📝 In Action
La derrota en la final fue muy dolorosa para los aficionados.
A2The defeat in the final was very painful for the fans.
El general aceptó la derrota con dignidad.
B1The general accepted the loss with dignity.
Después de la derrota, el equipo tuvo que reorganizarse.
A2After the defeat, the team had to reorganize.
he/she defeats, you (formal) defeat
Also: it defeats
📝 In Action
El campeón siempre derrota a sus oponentes.
B1The champion always defeats his opponents.
Si usted derrota al jefe, ganará el premio.
B1If you defeat the boss, you will win the prize.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: derrota
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'derrota' as a noun?
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📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Old French 'deroute,' which meant 'breaking the route' or 'breaking formation' (especially in a military sense). This idea of breaking a line or path led directly to the modern meaning of a military or competitive loss.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if 'derrota' means 'defeat' (noun) or 'defeats' (verb)?
Look at the words around it! If it has 'la' or 'una' in front of it (La derrota), it's the noun. If it follows a subject like 'él,' 'ella,' or 'usted' (Él derrota), it is the verb form.
Is 'derrota' related to the word for 'route' or 'path'?
Yes, historically! It comes from the same root as the word for breaking a path or line. The military meaning of 'breaking the enemy's lines' is what gave us the modern meaning of 'defeat.'