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defy
2 dictionary results for: Defying
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
de·fy       [v. di-fahy; n. di-fahy, dee-fahy] Pronunciation Key verb, -fied, -fy·ing, noun, plural -fies.
–verb (used with object)
1.to challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly: to defy parental authority.
2.to offer effective resistance to: a fort that defies attack.
3.to challenge (a person) to do something deemed impossible: They defied him to dive off the bridge.
4.Archaic. to challenge to a combat or contest.
–noun
5.a challenge; a defiance.

[Origin: 1250–1300; ME defien < OF desfier, equiv. to des- dis-1 + fier to trust < VL *fīdāre, var. of L fīdere]

de·fi·a·ble, adjective
de·fy·ing·ly, adverb

1. dare, brave, flout, scorn.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
de·fy       (dĭ-fī')  Pronunciation Key 
tr.v.   de·fied, de·fy·ing, de·fies
    1. To oppose or resist with boldness and assurance: defied the blockade by sailing straight through it.
    2. To refuse to submit to or cooperate with: defied the court order by leaving the country.
  1. To be unaffected by; resist or withstand: "So the plague defied all medicines" (Daniel Defoe).
  2. To challenge or dare (someone) to do something: She defied her accusers to prove their charges.


[Middle English defien, from Old French desfier, from Vulgar Latin *disfīdāre : Latin dis-, dis- + Latin fīdus, faithful; see bheidh- in Indo-European roots.]

Synonyms: These verbs mean to confront boldly and courageously: an innovator defying tradition; braving all criticism; challenged the opposition to produce proof; daring him to deny the statement; faced her accusers.

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