To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive.

Those against urged defeat for some of the following reasons:

Tonight, though, he was the executive focus for the last time and he seemed brisk and businesslike, a man containing himself against defeat.

Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.

A hurled wrench clanged against the closed door and defeat was complete.

It is absurd to be "against defeat": what we need now are those who can grapple with its reality.

But I have a hedge against defeat, too.

Desperate drive of the party against defeat.

In fact, men, the general has this to say about ensuring against defeat when outnumbered, out-weaponed and outpositioned.