win

For the verb: "to win"

Simple Past:	won
Past Participle:	won

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
win/wɪn/

▶verb (wins, winning; past and past part. won)

• 1 be successful or victorious in (a contest or conflict).

• 2 acquire as a result of a contest, conflict, etc.

  ■ gain (someone's attention, support, or love).

  ■ (win someone over) gain the support or favour of someone.

• 3 (win out/through) manage to succeed or achieve something by effort.

  ■ archaic manage to reach (a place) by effort.

• 4 obtain (ore) from a mine.

• 5 dry (hay) by exposure to the air.

▶noun a victory, especially in a game or contest.

– phrases
win the day be victorious.
win (or earn) one's spurs historical gain a knighthood by an act of bravery.

■ informal gain one's first distinction or honours.

– derivatives
winless adjective,
winnable adjective.

– origin OE winnan ‘strive, contend’, also ‘subdue and take possession of, acquire’, of Gmc origin.