triumph Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a successful ending of a struggle or contest
    victory.
    • a narrow victory
    • the general always gets credit for his army's victory
    • clinched a victory
    • convincing victory
    • the agreement was a triumph for common sense
  2. noun the exultation of victory
  3. verb prove superior
    prevail.
    • The champion prevailed, though it was a hard fight
  4. verb be ecstatic with joy
    wallow; rejoice.
  5. verb dwell on with satisfaction
    crow; gloat.
  6. verb to express great joy
    exuberate; jubilate; rejoice; exult.
    • Who cannot exult in Spring?

WordNet

Tri"umph noun
Etymology
L. triumphus, OL. triumpus; of uncertain origin; cf. Gr. a procession in honor of Bacchus: cf. F. triomphe. Cf. Trump at cards.
Definitions
  1. (Rom. Antiq.) A magnificent and imposing ceremonial performed in honor of a general who had gained a decisive victory over a foreign enemy. ✍ The general was allowed to enter the city crowned with a wreath of laurel, bearing a scepter in one hand, and a branch of laurel in the other, riding in a circular chariot, of a peculiar form, drawn by four horses. He was preceded by the senate and magistrates, musicians, the spoils, the captives in fetters, etc., and followed by his army on foot in marching order. The procession advanced in this manner to the Capitoline Hill, where sacrifices were offered, and victorious commander entertained with a public feast.
  2. Hence, any triumphal procession; a pompous exhibition; a stately show or pageant. Obs.
    Our daughter, In honor of whose birth these triumphs are, Sits here, like beauty's child. Shak.
  3. A state of joy or exultation for success.
    Great triumph and rejoicing was in heaven. Milton.
    Hercules from Spain Arrived in triumph, from Geryon slain. Dryden.
  4. Success causing exultation; victory; conquest; as, the triumph of knowledge.
  5. A trump card; also, an old game at cards. Obs.
Tri"umph intransitive verb
Etymology
L. triumphare: cf. F. triompher. See Triumph, n.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Triumphed ; present participle & verbal noun Triumphing
Definitions
  1. To celebrate victory with pomp; to rejoice over success; to exult in an advantage gained; to exhibit exultation.
    How long shall the wicked triumph? Ps. xciv. 3.
    Sorrow on thee and all the pack of you That triumph thus upon my misery! Shak.
  2. To obtain victory; to be successful; to prevail.
    Triumphing over death, and chance, and thee, O Time. Milton.
    On this occasion, however, genius triumphed. Macaulay.
  3. To be prosperous; to flourish.
    Where commerce triumphed on the favoring gales. Trumbull.
  4. To play a trump card. Obs. B. Jonson.
Tri"umph transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To obtain a victory over; to prevail over; to conquer. Also, to cause to triumph. Obs.
    Two and thirty legions that awe All nations of the triumphed word. Massinger.

Webster 1913