lose

lose · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Be deprived of or cease to have possession of something.

  2. 2.

    Fail to win a game, contest, or argument.

  3. 3.

    Become unable to find.

  4. 4.

    Fail to keep or maintain.

  5. 5.

    Waste time or an opportunity.

  6. 6.

    Experience the death of a relative or friend.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    lose one's mind — Go crazy.
  • •
    lose one's way — Become lost; lose direction in life.
  • •
    lose face — Be humiliated.
  • •
    lose heart — Become discouraged.
  • •
    lose track of — Fail to keep informed about.
  • •
    lose sleep over — Worry excessively about.
  • •
    lose sight of — Cease to be able to see; forget about.
  • •
    have nothing to lose — Face no risk of loss.

Related words

Antonyms: find, gain, win
See also: find, losing, loss, lost, win
Synonyms: fail, forfeit, misplace

Etymology

From Old English losian ("to perish, be lost"), from los ("loss, destruction"), from Proto-Germanic lusą. Related to "loss" and "lost." The sense of "fail to win" developed later.