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Translate files Defy
/dɪˈfaɪ/
Meaning & Definition
verb
to openly resist or refuse to obey.
The protestors chose to defy the government’s restrictions on assembly.
to challenge or withstand successfully.
She managed to defy the odds and complete the marathon despite her injury.
to be impossible to achieve or overcome.
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
Slang Meanings
To reject or disregard.
He totally defied the rules at the party.
To show boldness or nerve.
She defied the odds and showed them what she's made of.