beat verb
1 in a game
ADV. comfortably, comprehensively, convincingly, easily, hands down, soundly He beat her hands down. | narrowly He was narrowly beaten by his opponent.
PREP. at She beat him at chess. | by beating her by just three points
PHRASES beat sb into second, third, etc. place He was beaten into second place by the American.
2 hit sb
ADV. badly, brutally, savagely, severely, violently
PREP. with She was beaten with a metal bar.
PHRASES beat sb about/over the head He had been beaten about the head with a rock. | beat sb to death, beat sb unconscious
4 of heart/wings
ADV. fast, frantically, painfully, rapidly, wildly I could feel my heart beating wildly.
5 mix
ADV. thoroughly, well Beat the mixture well, until it is light and creamy. | lightly Add three eggs, lightly beaten. PHRASAL VERBS beat down
ADV. mercilessly, relentlessly
PREP. on/upon The African sun beat relentlessly down on his aching head.