Some lawmakers privately acknowledged that the intensity of the protests led them to fear defeat at the polls next year unless the measure was repealed.

It is grown-ups, however, not children, who fear defeat.

Both situations led the Coalition to fear defeat in the 1999 presidential elections.

And now the Conservatives have less and less reason to fear defeat.

If she fears defeat, she will run; she is not one to fight to the last, even when doing so has the chance of victory.

"Nor shall we fear defeat, for this world is God's," the man replied, and his shoulders relaxed.

For Brutus the dilemma was somewhat different, though he did not fear defeat.

Selwyn, who himself represented Gloucester, feared defeat there and wanted a safe alternative seat.

Fearing defeat, the rebels started taking hostages of the local white population in areas under their control.

So your ships go into battle fearing defeat in some unknown way.