24 May 2013

vanquish

[vang-kwish, van-]

verb (used with object)

1. to conquer or subdue by superior force, as in battle.
2. to defeat in any contest or conflict; be victorious over: to vanquish one’s opponent in an argument.
3. to overcome or overpower: He vanquished all his fears.

Origin:
1300–50; Middle English vencuschen, venquisshen < Old French vencus past participle and venquis past tense of veintre < Latin vincere to overcome

Related forms
van·quish·a·ble, adjective
van·quish·er, noun
van·quish·ment, noun
un·van·quish·a·ble, adjective
un·van·quished, adjective

Today’s aphorism

Without the freedom to criticize, there is no true praise.

– Pierre Beaumarchais, playwright (1732-1799)

On this day

24 May 1930 – Amy Johnson, flying a Gypsy Moth, lands in Darwin. She is the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia.

24 May 2012 – Tens of thousands of Norwegian public servants go on strike demanding pay rises and improvements in working conditions. It is the first such strike in Norway since 1984.