Nearby Words
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.
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Defying
is always a great word to know.
So is zedonk. Does it mean:
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
| the offspring of a zebra and a donkey. |
Origin:
1250–1300; Middle English defien < Old French desfier, equivalent to des- dis-1 + fier to trust < Vulgar Latin *fīdāre, variant of Latin fīdere
1250–1300; Middle English defien < Old French desfier, equivalent to des- dis-1 + fier to trust < Vulgar Latin *fīdāre, variant of Latin fīdere
Related forms
de·fi·a·ble, adjective
de·fy·ing·ly, adverb
pre·de·fy, verb (used with object), -fied, -fy·ing.
re·de·fy, verb (used with object), -fied, -fy·ing.
un·de·fi·a·ble, adjective
EXPANDSynonyms
1. dare, brave, flout, scorn.
1. dare, brave, flout, scorn.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To defying
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
defy
c.1300, from O.Fr. defier, desfier, 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, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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