English Dictionary
Definition of “defy”
defy (dɪˈfaɪ
)
Definitions
verb
(tr) - to resist (a powerful person, authority, etc) openly and boldly
- to elude, esp in a baffling way ⇒
his actions defy explanation
- formal to challenge or provoke (someone to do something judged to be impossible); dare ⇒
I defy you to climb that cliff
- archaic to invite to do battle or combat
Alternative Forms
deˈfier noun Word Origin
C14: from Old French desfier, from des- de- + fier to trust, from Latin fīdere
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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resist,
oppose,
confront,
face,
brave,
beard,
disregard,
stand up to,
spurn,
flout,
disobey,
hold out against put up a fight (against) hurl defiance at
contemn,
call someone's bluff,
Usage examples
Anyone can inspect our premises, and I defy them to find a suffering animal.
Barnard, Robert, Political Suicide (1986)They defy the taboos, especially those taught by their mothers, where female pleasure was not on a woman's agenda.
India Today (2002)The provincial government's back-to-work legislation calls for workers to be fired if they defy the order.
CBC (2004)Floating clinic sets course for Dublin to help women defy law Abortion ship set to make waves
Glasgow Herald (2001)A precedent had now been set as to how a Crown Prince could defy his parents over marriage plans and still win out.
Jonathan Gregson, BLOOD AGAINST THE SNOWS: The Tragic Story of Nepal's Royal Dynasty (2002)
