Victorious means having won a victory or achieved success in a contest, competition, or struggle. When a team walks off the field victorious, they've defeated their opponent. When a scientist emerges victorious after years of failed experiments, she's finally solved the problem she was working on.

The word captures that moment of triumph when effort pays off. A victorious general returns from battle having won the war. A victorious debater persuades the judges with her arguments. Victorious suggests winning by overcoming something difficult: a challenge, an opponent, or a long struggle.

You might feel victorious after finally mastering a tricky skateboard move or winning a chess tournament. Being victorious usually means you've worked hard, stayed determined, and prevailed despite obstacles.

The opposite of victorious is defeated or vanquished. While you can be victorious in competition against others, you can also be victorious over your own doubts, fears, or limitations. When you push through difficulty and succeed, that victorious feeling is one of accomplishment and pride.