What task is aimed at rendering a force incapable of achieving its objectives?

The task aimed at rendering a force incapable of achieving its objectives is defeat. Defeat involves not only inflicting losses on an opposing force but also demoralizing them and disrupting their ability to function effectively. When a force is defeated, it can no longer carry out its mission or meet its operational goals due to the combination of physical losses and the psychological impact of failure.

While delay might slow down an opposing force, and destruction aims to eliminate their capabilities, the overarching concept of defeat encompasses both preventing the force from executing its plans and ensuring their overall incapacity to continue operating successfully. Deception, on the other hand, focuses on misleading the enemy rather than directly impacting their ability to achieve their objectives.