vanquish
UK: ˈvæŋkwɪʃ | US: ˈvæŋkwɪʃ
vt. to defeat thoroughly or decisively in battle or competition
vt. to overcome or subdue completely (e.g., an emotion or obstacle)
vanquish = vanqu<conquer> + ish<verb suffix>
- vanqu<conquer>: Derived from Old French vainquir (to conquer), itself from Latin vincere (to defeat). The spelling shift to "vanqu" reflects Norman French influence.
- ish<verb suffix>: A common English verbal suffix indicating action (e.g., finish, punish), originating from Old French -ir or Latin -ire.
Etymology Origin:
The word vanquish entered Middle English via Old French, rooted in Latin vincere (to conquer). The Norman French adaptation vainquir evolved into "vanqu-" in English, paired with the productive suffix -ish to form a verb. The term has consistently denoted overwhelming victory, reflecting its martial Latin origins.
The army sought to vanquish its enemies in a single decisive battle.
She struggled to vanquish her fear of public speaking.
The hero vowed to vanquish the evil threatening the kingdom.
Their team was vanquished in the final minutes of the game.
Time alone cannot vanquish such deep sorrow.