Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

defy

 - 3 dictionary results
DEFY for log and wood
Log, wood, and deck finish, data sheets, color charts, pricing
www.loghomestore.com

de⋅fy

  [v. di-fahy; n. di-fahy, dee-fahy] verb, -fied, -fy⋅ing, noun, plural -fies.
Use defy in a Sentence
–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

Related forms:
de⋅fi⋅a⋅ble, adjective
de⋅fy⋅ing⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. dare, brave, flout, scorn.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To defy
DEFY for log and wood
Log, wood, and deck finish, data sheets, color charts, pricing
www.loghomestore.com
de·fy   (dĭ-fī')   
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.

  2. To be unaffected by; resist or withstand: "So the plague defied all medicines" (Daniel Defoe).

  3. 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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

defy 
c.1300, from O.Fr. defier, from V.L. *disfidare "renounce one's faith," from L. dis- "away" + fidus "faithful." Meaning shifted 14c. from "be disloyal" to "challenge."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see defy on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way