Search
Select the dictionary language
to defy
01
to refuse to respect a person of authority or to observe a law, rule, etc.
Transitive: to defy a law or authority
Examples
The rebellious teenager decided to defy the instructions given by their parents.
02
to make something extremely difficult or nearly impossible to achieve, understand, or accomplish
Transitive: to defy sth
Examples
The sheer size of the mountain defies any attempt to climb it without proper equipment.
03
to dare someone to do or prove something
Ditransitive: to defy sb to do sth
Examples
She defied her opponents to beat her, confident in her skills.
Lexical Tree
defiance
defiant
defy
