beat

beat · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Strike repeatedly and violently.

  2. 2.

    Defeat in a game or competition.

  3. 3.

    Mix vigorously with a fork or whisk.

  4. 4.

    (Of the heart) Pulsate rhythmically.

  5. 5.

    Move rhythmically up and down or to and fro.

  6. 6.

    A main rhythm or pulse in music or poetry.

  7. 7.

    A regular route covered by a police officer.

  8. 8.

    A moment of pause or hesitation.

  9. 9.

    [informal]Exhausted; very tired.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    beat around the bush — Avoid the main topic.
  • •
    beat it — Go away.
  • •
    beat the clock — Finish before time runs out.
  • •
    beat someone to it — Do something before another person.
  • •
    off the beaten track — In a remote or unusual place.
  • •
    beat a dead horse — Continue arguing a settled matter.
  • •
    skip a beat — (Of heart) Miss a beat from excitement.
  • •
    beat the odds — Succeed against unlikely chances.

Related words

Antonyms: lose
See also: beaten, beating, beats, rhythm
Synonyms: defeat, hit, strike, whip

Etymology

From Old English bēatan ("to beat, strike, pound"), from Proto-Germanic bautaną.