wɪn v. & n. --v. (winning;
past and past
part. won) 1 tr.
acquire or
secure as a
result of a
fight,
contest,
bet, litigation, or
some other effort (won some
money;
won my admiration). 2 tr. be
victorious in (a fight, game, race, etc.). 3 intr. a be
the victor; win a race or contest etc. (who won?;
persevere, and
you will win). b (foll. by
through,
free, etc.)
make one's
way or
become by
successful effort. 4 tr.
reach by effort (win the
summit; win the shore). 5 tr.
obtain (ore)
from a mine. 6 tr.
dry (hay etc.) by
exposure to the
air. --n.
victory in a game or bet etc. øwin the
day be victorious in
battle,
argument, etc. win
over persuade,
gain the
support of. win one's spurs 1 colloq. gain
distinction or
fame. 2
hist. gain a knighthood. win through (or out)
overcome obstacles. you can't win colloq.
there is no way to
succeed. you can't win
them all colloq. a
resigned expression of
consolation on
failure. øøwinnable adj. [OE winnan
toil,
endure:
cf. OHG winnan, ON vinna]
