defy

di-FY/dɪˈfaɪ/

Formsdefies, defying, defied

5 meanings of defy

Practice

1
verbtransitive
To refuse to obey a person in charge or a rule they have set.
Like saying no when a grown-up tells you what to do.
The students defied their teacher and left class early.
Many kids defy their parents at some point.
Similardisobey, flout, break, violate, resist
Oppositeobey, follow, observe, respect
2
verbtransitive
To dare someone to do something, or to face danger without fear.
Like standing tall against a strong wind instead of running away.
He defied his friend to climb the tallest tree.
Sailors defy the storm to bring the boat home safely.
Similarbrave, challenge, dare, face, confront
Note
3
verbtransitive
To not match or follow what is normal or expected.
Like a puzzle piece that won't fit any of the usual spots.
The results defy what everyone expected.
Her quick recovery defied all the doctors' predictions.
Similarresist, elude, escape, break, contradict
Oppositefollow, fit
Note

Less common meanings

4
verbobsoletetransitive
To break all your promises and ties to someone, and turn away from them.
Note
5
nounobsolete
A challenge, especially one daring another person to fight.
Like daring someone out loud to a fight.
The knight threw down a defy before the castle gates.
Her bold defy was answered before noon.
Note

Use it in a sentence

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Origin

It comes from Old French desfier, based on Latin words meaning 'away' and 'faithful'. It first meant 'be disloyal' and later came to mean 'challenge'.