verb

rout

to defeat completely, to force out

The army was routed by the enemy.

The army was routed by the enemy.

They routed the home team 5-0.

They routed the home team 5-0.

((sb./sth.)) to defeat (sb./sth.) completely The champion routed his opponent.

Synonyms: crush, overwhelm, trounce, annihilate; Antonyms: lose to, surrender to

From Old French 'rote', meaning 'a broken group', related to Latin 'rupta' (broken).

A routed army has its 'route' home broken, forcing them to flee in disorder. Don't confuse with 'route' (a path).

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.