defy Definition

defy
verb defies, defied, defying

1. To resist or disobey someone boldly and openly.

Thesaurus: resist, oppose, rebel against, brave, stand up to, confront, face; Antonym: yield, quail.
2. To dare or challenge someone.

Thesaurus: dare, challenge, goad.
3. formal
To make something impossible or unsuccessful. See also defiance.
Example: defying explanation
Thesaurus: baffle, puzzle, foil, thwart.

Derivative: defier
noun

Etymology: 14c: from French defier, from Latin diffidare to renounce one's faith.