defying

1. 1
   verb

   Present participle and gerund of defy.

   The climbers pressed on, defying the worsening weather.

   Defying gravity for a moment, the dancer seemed to hang in the air.

   Note

   The -ing form does double duty. In "pressed on, defying the weather" it heads a participial clause, while in "Defying orders cost him the job" it is a gerund acting as a noun. Its objects cover the verb's whole range: a hazard braved, an order refused, a pattern broken, as in defying gravity or defying expectations. Once it takes more or most (a more defying tone), it has become the adjective meaning "defiant".

2. 2
   adjective

   Boldly resisting authority, rules, or an opponent rather than giving in; defiant.

   There was a defying note in her voice as she rejected the order.

   The workers met the new policy with a defying silence.

   Similardefiant, rebellious, insubordinate, mutinous

   Oppositeobedient, submissive, compliant, meek

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