Defy

Quick meaning: Defy is a verb meaning (transitive) To challenge (someone) or brave (a hazard or opposition).

Meaning

(transitive) To challenge (someone) or brave (a hazard or opposition).

More Meanings

1. (transitive) To refuse to obey.
2. To not conform to or follow a pattern, set of rules or expectations.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce.
4. (obsolete) A challenge.

Example Sentences

If you defy your teacher you may end up in detention.

I once again / Defie thee to the trial of mortal fight.

to defy an enemy; to defy the power of a magistrate; to defy the arguments of an opponent; to defy public opinion

Before coalition forces arrived, Iraq was ruled by a dictatorship that murdered its own citizens, threatened its neighbors, and defied the world.

Word Forms

• defies
• defying
• defied

Synonyms for defy

Depending on context, synonyms include hold, refuse, resist, withstand, hold up, dare.

Antonyms for defy

Common opposites include apply.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include dare, resist, withstand, hold up, refuse, hold.

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