Defy: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used when someone openly refuses to follow rules, orders, or expectations, usually showing boldness or courage.

• Teenagers often defy their parents' rules.
• The small country defies international sanctions.

This word refers to questioning or contesting something, such as rules, authority, or ideas. It often involves a mental or physical effort.

• She decided to challenge the unfair decision.
• The athlete challenged herself to break the world record.

This word refers to withstanding or striving against something, such as temptation, external force, or authority. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

• He resisted the urge to eat sweets.
• The soldiers resisted the enemy invasion.

This word is used when someone intentionally does not follow rules, commands, or instructions. It typically has a negative connotation.

• The soldier was punished for disobeying orders.
• Children sometimes disobey their teachers.

This word describes actively working against someone or something, such as a policy, idea, or person. It can be used in both personal and political contexts.

• She opposed the new law.
• The council opposes the construction of the new factory.

This word is used when people rise against authority or tradition, often involving revolution or protest. It has a strong, sometimes romantic connotation.

• The citizens decided to rebel against the oppressive regime.
• As a teenager, he used to rebel against his parents.

Use 'defy' when talking about resisting authority or not following rules. It often has a rebellious or bold tone.

• He chose to defy the school's strict dress code.
• The protesters defied the curfew imposed by the government.

Use 'contradict' when stating that someone or something is wrong or mistaken. It often implies a clear disagreement.

• The scientist's findings contradict the previous research.
• She didn't want to contradict her boss in front of everyone.

Use 'refute' when arguing against a statement by providing evidence or reasoning. This word often carries a strong, formal tone.

• He could easily refute the false accusations.
• The evidence was sufficient to refute the claims made by the opposition.

Use 'disprove' when providing evidence that shows something is not true. This term is often used in scientific or factual discussions.

• The experiments disprove the theory that the earth is flat.
• His alibi was strong enough to disprove the allegations.

Use 'invalidate' when something is shown to be null, void, or ineffective. Often used in legal or formal contexts.

• His signature was forged, which could invalidate the contract.
• The new evidence could invalidate her earlier claims.

Use 'overturn' primarily in legal or formal settings to describe the act of reversing a decision or ruling.

• The higher court decided to overturn the previous verdict.
• The decision to ban the book was overturned after public outcry.