View synonyms for defy

defy

[ dih-fahy, dee- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

defied, defying.

to challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly:
Love drives the characters to ignore their family feud and defy parental authority.
The artist defies conventional categories by blending very different styles in her work.
Synonyms: scorn, flout, brave, dare
to offer effective resistance to; make virtually impossible:
Their strategic position is helped by having a fort that defies attack.
The facts were so complex that they defied simple explanation.
to challenge (a person) to do something deemed impossible:
They defied him to dive off the bridge.
Archaic. to challenge to a combat or contest.

noun

plural defies.

a challenge; a defiance.

defy

/ dɪˈfaɪ /

verb

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

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Derived Forms

deˈfier, noun

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Other Words From

de·fi·a·ble adjective
de·fy·ing·ly adverb
pre·de·fy verb (used with object) predefied predefying
re·de·fy verb (used with object) redefied redefying
un·de·fi·a·ble adjective
un·de·fi·a·bly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of defy¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Middle English defien, Old French desfier, from des- dis- ¹ + fier “to trust” (from Vulgar Latin fīdāre (unrecorded), from Latin fīdere; fidelity ( def ) )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of defy¹

C14: from Old French desfier, from des- de- + fier to trust, from Latin fīdere

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Example Sentences

In the past, Trump likely would have been concerned with keeping those people on board, but right now, he seems too enthralled with Musk to defy his beloved's wishes.

From Salon

Fast forward to today, and the same player who nearly walked away from football is now at the heart of Barcelona's revival, delivering goals and defying expectations.

From BBC

When Kelsey Barnard Clark won the sixteenth season of "Top Chef," set in Kentucky, she clinched victory with a dish that defied fine dining expectations: cornbread and buttermilk with crawfish, boiled peanuts, cucumber and watermelon.

From Salon

Those who will attend plan on bringing guests to sit in the chamber gallery representing causes that defy the president’s priorities.

From Los Angeles Times

Likewise, the FCC’s foray into newsrooms defies the 1st Amendment.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

defuze deg.

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