Defy meaning
To defy is defined as to work against or resist something.
An example of to defy is to break a law by going on land that is posted with a no trespassing sign.
verb
To be beyond the application or scope of; be contrary or resistant to.
An act that defies explanation; a problem that defies any conventional approach.
verb
To challenge or dare (someone) to do something.
She defied her accusers to prove their charges.
verb
To resist or oppose boldly or openly.
verb
To resist completely in a baffling way.
The puzzle defied solution.
verb
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To dare (someone) to do or prove something.
verb
To challenge (someone) to fight.
verb
A defiance or challenge.
noun
To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce.
verb
Origin of defy
- Middle English defien from Old French desfier from Vulgar Latin disfīdāre Latin dis- dis- Latin fīdus faithful bheidh- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From Old French desfier, from Vulgar Latin *disfidare (“renounce one's faith”), from Latin dis- (“away”) + fidus (“faithful”). Meaning shifted 14c. from "be disloyal" to "challenge."
From Wiktionary