Rout/raʊt/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Total Defeat Use 'rout' when someone loses very badly and without hope of recovery. The championship was a rout, with the champion outclassed by the challenger. Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Loss 'Rout' implies a more devastating loss than just a typical defeat; it's overwhelming. The match didn't just end in a loss, but an absolute rout. Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact Using 'rout' may convey disappointment or dismay at the scale of a defeat. Fans left early, disheartened by the team's rout.