expression, godan verb (-su)
defeat one's enemy; kill one's opponent
A set phrase meaning to defeat or kill an enemy or opponent, often used in contexts of combat, rivalry, or revenge. The verb 倒す can mean to knock down, defeat, or kill depending on context.
彼はついに敵を倒した。
He finally defeated his enemy.
剣で敵を倒す。
To strike down an enemy with a sword.
Standard kanji spelling for this phrase.
Rare variant using 斃す, which specifically means to kill or strike down. Not commonly used in modern Japanese.
A compound phrase consisting of 敵 (enemy) + を (object marker) + 倒す (to defeat/kill). The kanji 倒す is standard; the rare variant 斃す is a specific character for killing.