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Meaning of defies
The primary meaning of the word "defies" is to boldly resist or challenge something.
Etymology of defies
The word "defies" comes from the Old French word "defier", which means "to challenge" or "to provoke"
The Old French word "defier" is derived from the Latin word "defidare", which means "to renounce one's faith" or "to abandon one's loyalty"
The word "defies" has been used in English since the 14th century to convey a sense of bold resistance or challenge
Synonyms
resists
withstands
opposes
challenges
contradicts
rebels
refuses
declines
rejects
spurns
repudiates
denies
disputes
argues
contests
debates
questions
doubts
demurs
hesitates
balks
disregards
ignores
flouts
violates
infringes
breaches
transgresses
disobeys
defies
thwarts
foils
frustrates
hinders
impedes
obstructs
blocks
bars
withstands
resists
counteracts
Definitions
- To boldly resist or challenge something, such as an authority, a convention, or an expectation
- * To refuse to comply with or obey something, such as a rule, a law, or a command
- * To be beyond the power or capability of something, such as a explanation, a description, or a categorization
Usage Examples
- The activist defies the government's ban on public gatherings by organizing a massive protest
- * The new policy defies explanation, as it seems to contradict the company's previous stance on the issue
- * The artist's latest work defies categorization, blending elements of sculpture, painting, and installation