What does it mean to vanquish?

The term "vanquish" means to overpower completely, typically in the context of defeating an adversary or overcoming an obstacle decisively. This word conveys a sense of total victory and dominance, often associated with battles or competitions. When someone vanquishes an opponent, they do so with such force that the opponent has no chance of recovery or retaliation, signifying a complete triumph.

In contrast, appreciating involves recognizing the value of something, shortening refers to reducing the length or duration of something, and admiring means to regard something with respect or warm approval. These definitions do not align with the concept of overpowering or defeating, thus reinforcing why the correct interpretation of "vanquish" is focused on complete domination or defeat.