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defy
[ dih-fahy, dee- ]
verb (used with object)
- 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: , , ,
- 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
- a challenge; a defiance.
defy
/ ɪˈڲɪ /
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
Derived Forms
- ˈھ, noun
Other 51Թ Forms
- ·ھ·· adjective
- ·ڲ·Բ· adverb
- ··ڲ verb (used with object) predefied predefying
- ··ڲ verb (used with object) redefied redefying
- un··ھ·· adjective
- ܲ··ھ·· adverb
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of defy1
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of defy1
Example Sentences
He was suspended from his job, but according to Mr Lee, who defended him, the public viewed him as brave for defying political pressure.
What should the American people believe -- Trump’s denials that he’s defying court orders or the evidence that can be seen and heard?
How could Republicans, who are so reluctant to defy Trump, oppose such an effort?
The majority of L.A. county didn’t vote for Trump, and by defying their wishes, the Dodgers have broken their unwritten contract with a city that has supported them almost unconditionally.
If the teen dished out a beating to a misbehaving kid — someone who cursed at officers or defied their orders — he would be rewarded with In-N-Out, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A.
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