Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Defy: meaning, definitions and examples

🤺
Add to dictionary

defy

 

[dɪˈfaɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
defy

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.
challenge

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.
resist

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.
disobey

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.
oppose

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.
rebel

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.

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.
Context #2 | Verb

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
defy

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.
contradict

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.
refute

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.
disprove

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.
invalidate

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.
overturn

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.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'defiare,' which means to challenge or to show courage against.
  • It was first used in English during the late 14th century, mainly in a context of standing up to authority.

Literature

  • Characters in famous stories, like Harry Potter, often defy expectations, showing bravery against powerful oppositions.
  • The theme of defiance appears in many classic novels, highlighting characters who stand up for their beliefs.

Pop Culture

  • Many songs from various genres celebrate the idea of defiance, encouraging listeners to break free from societal constraints.
  • Movies often feature protagonists who defy villains, showing that standing up for what’s right can lead to victory.

History

  • Entries in history books often depict figures like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. who defied oppressive systems to advocate for civil rights.
  • The American Revolution was marked by defiance against British rule, leading to the independence of the United States.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, defiance can be linked to rebellion, often stemming from a desire for autonomy and self-expression.
  • Studies show that defying authority can be a sign of resilience during stressful situations, showcasing an adaptive response.

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 Frequency Rank

At position #12,613, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.