Defy: meaning, definitions and examples
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defy
[ dɪˈfaɪ ]
challenge
To openly resist or refuse to obey a person, decision, or institution. Defiance may be shown through actions or words, demonstrating a lack of submission or compliance.
Synonyms
challenge, disobey, oppose, rebel, resist
Examples of usage
- He defied the king's orders and spoke out against the unjust laws.
- She defied her parents by dropping out of college to pursue her passion.
prove wrong
To prove something to be false or incorrect, often by demonstrating the opposite or providing evidence that contradicts the initial claim.
Synonyms
contradict, disprove, invalidate, overturn, refute
Examples of usage
- The scientist defied the skeptics by successfully replicating the experiment.
- Her success in the competition defied all expectations and silenced her critics.
Translations
Translations of the word "defy" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desafiar
🇮🇳 चुनौती देना
🇩🇪 trotzen
🇮🇩 menantang
🇺🇦 кинути виклик
🇵🇱 przeciwstawiać się
🇯🇵 挑戦する (chōsen suru)
🇫🇷 défier
🇪🇸 desafiar
🇹🇷 meydan okumak
🇰🇷 도전하다 (dojeonhada)
🇸🇦 يتحدى (yataḥadda)
🇨🇿 vzdorovat
🇸🇰 vzdorovať
🇨🇳 挑战 (tiǎozhàn)
🇸🇮 izzivati
🇮🇸 skora á
🇰🇿 қарсы шығу
🇬🇪 გამოწვევა (gamotsveva)
🇦🇿 çağırış etmək
🇲🇽 desafiar
Word origin
The word 'defy' originated from the Latin word 'dis-' meaning 'against' and 'facere' meaning 'do'. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English 'defien' and eventually became the modern 'defy' in English. The concept of defiance has been prevalent throughout history, with individuals and groups defying authority or norms to bring about change or assert their independence.