n. 1. a. The act or fact of being victorious; a victory: her triumph in the election. b. Exultation or rejoicing over victory or success: The fans danced in triumph after their team won. 2. a. A success in a struggle against difficulties or an obstacle: a patient's triumph over an illness. b. A noteworthy achievement or success: a musical that was a triumph on Broadway. 3. A public celebration, especially in ancient Rome, to welcome a returning victorious commander and his army. intr.v. tri·umphed, tri·umph·ing, tri·umphs 1. To be victorious or successful; win. 2. To rejoice over a success or victory; exult: “She knew her leaving him … had plunged him back into this mood. And she triumphed a little” (D.H. Lawrence). 3. To receive honors upon return from a victory. Used especially of generals in ancient Rome. [Middle English triumphe, ultimately (partly via Old French) from Latin triumphus, triumphal procession, victory, variant (with hypercorrect Hellenizing aspirated -ph-) of earlier triumpus, ultimately (probably via Etruscan) from Greek thriambos, hymn to Dionysus sung during festal processions; see IAMB.] |
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