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vic·to·ry

(vĭktə-rē)

n. pl. vic·to·ries

1. A defeat of an enemy or opponent: Napolean had many victories in battle.

2. A success in a struggle against difficulties or an obstacle: a victory over his greatest fear.

a. The state or fact of having defeated an opponent or of having achieved success: soldiers entering the city in victory.

b. Exultation or celebration at defeating an opponent or accomplishing something: raised her hands in victory as she crossed the finish line.

[Middle English, from Old French victorie, from Latin victōria, from victor, victor; see VICTOR.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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