Meaning & Definition of word "Defy"
Defy
/dɪˈfaɪ/
verb:
- 1. to openly resist or refuse to obey.
- Example: The protestors chose to defy the government’s restrictions on assembly.
- 2. to challenge or withstand successfully.
- Example: She managed to defy the odds and complete the marathon despite her injury.
- 3. to be impossible to achieve or overcome.
- Example: The beauty of the landscape seemed to defy description.
Etymology
●Middle English, from Old French 'defier', from Latin 'defiare'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
defy convention:
To reject or challenge traditional methods or norms.
defy the odds:
To succeed against the likelihood of failure.
defy authority:
To openly resist or disobey those in power.
Related Words
defiance:
Open resistance; bold disobedience.
defiant:
Showing defiance; resistant.
defyingly:
In a manner that shows defiance.
Slang Meanings of defy
Meaning: To reject or disregard.
● Example Sentence: He totally defied the rules at the party.
Meaning: To show boldness or nerve.
● Example Sentence: She defied the odds and showed them what she's made of.