Years of failure had 'beaten' him 'down'. [=had caused him to lose hope or spirit]
This problem has 'beaten' everyone. [=no one has been able to solve this problem]
a politician who is getting 'beat/beaten up' by liberal/conservative critics
(..) "All my love. " That was Karla. He went back to die rather than giving in. Yes, and that's how I k now he can be beaten. Because he's a fanatic. And the fanatic is always concealing a secret doubt. What did he look like? I can't remember. (..)2011 Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy