Defy definition
An example of to defy is to break a law by going on land that is posted with a no trespassing sign.
She defied her accusers to prove their charges.
Defied the blockade by sailing straight through it.
Defied the court order by leaving the country.
An act that defies explanation; a problem that defies any conventional approach.
The puzzle defied solution.
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