The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word CONQUER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
O
N
Q
U
E
R
More clues leading to the result CONQUER
- Defeat a hard nut, did you say?
- Defeat a swinger in game, we hear
- Win a couple of these in sound game
- Crush nut noisily
- Archdeacon querulously admitting defeat
- Declared object in game? To be the victor!
- Deceit that French Resistance overcome
- Overcome argument against short question
- Defeat inmate with short question
- Humble subject
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Defeat" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case defeat = conquer.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CONQUER mean?
CONQUER verb- To defeat in combat; to subjugate.
- To acquire by force of arms, win in war.
- To overcome an abstract obstacle.
- To gain, win, or obtain by effort.