defy

/dɪfˈa‍ɪ/

/dɪˈfaɪ/

[verb]

to defy

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

to refuse to respect a person of authority or to observe a law, rule, etc.

synonyms : hold

hold up

withstand

elude, especially in a baffling way

synonyms : refuse

resist

antonyms : lend oneself

to dare someone to do or prove something

synonyms : dare

Examples

1. The saying 'a whistling woman and a crowing hen are neither fit for God nor men,' is an example of a stereotype that has been used to criticize women who defy traditional gender roles and expectations.

2. Their badness has defied all logic.

3. But, internally, Hamzah's defenders defied the government.

4. Here, sagebrush and bitterbrush defy the stresses of life.