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v. won (wŭn), win·ning, wins v.intr. 1. To achieve victory or finish first in a competition. 2. To achieve success in an effort or venture: struggled to overcome the handicap and finally won. v.tr. 1. To achieve victory or finish first in: won the race. 2. To receive as a prize or reward for performance: won a gold medal. 3. a. To achieve or obtain by effort: win concessions in negotiations. 4. To make (one's way) with effort. 5. To reach with difficulty: The ship won a safe port. 6. To take in battle; capture: won the heights after a fierce attack. 7. a. To succeed in gaining the affection or loyalty of (someone): He wooed and won her. b. To succeed in gaining the favor or support of; prevail on: Her eloquence won over the audience. 8. a. To discover and open (a vein or deposit) in mining. b. To extract from a mine or from mined ore. n. Phrasal Verbs: 1. a. A victory, especially in a competition. b. First place in a competition. 2. An amount won or earned. win out To succeed or prevail. win through Idiom: To overcome difficulties and attain a desired goal or end. win the day To be successful. [Middle English winnen, from Old English winnan, to fight, strive; see wen-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] winless adj. winna·ble adj. |
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