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
(..) v. The state of Alabama, I will now hear testimony from the plaintiffs. Mr. Gray. Your Honor, you will hear testimony from the victims who were beaten and bludgeoned in their quest for freedom. For their right to vote and to self-determine. The fact of the matter, Your Honor, (..)2014 Selma
(..) That equality? Amen. And what about in our minds? Equality in the black psyche. Look at these men. Beaten and broken down for generations. Deciding to demand more? What happens when a man stands up and says enough is enough? Look at Medgar. Murdered the man in his own driveway. (..)2014 Selma