(cuò) — to defeat, to frustrate; to subdue, to dampen (spirit/enthusiasm)

Definition

挫 (cuò) is a literary verb meaning 'to thwart, crush, or dampen' — used mainly in fixed compounds like 挫折, 挫败, and 挫伤, not as a standalone everyday verb. It refers to breaking someone's spirit, plan, or hope.

verb
to defeatto frustrateto subdueto dampen (spirit/enthusiasm)

Examples

  • Dí rén de yīn móu bèi chè dǐ cuò bài le.
    The enemy's plot was completely thwarted.
  • Zhè cì shī bài bìng méi yǒu cuò shāng tā de dòu zhì.
    This failure did not dampen his fighting spirit.
  • Lián xù de dǎ jī cuò miè le tā de xī wàng.
    Repeated blows crushed his hopes.

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.