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Defying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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defying

[dɪˈfaɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

challenging authority

Resisting or challenging authority, rules, or conventions.

Synonyms

challenging, rebelling, resisting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defying

Use this word when someone is openly refusing to obey or follow rules or orders.

  • She was defying the curfew by staying out late.
  • The athlete was defying his doctor's orders to rest.
resisting

Use this word when someone is opposing or striving against something, often in a more passive or defensive manner.

  • She was resisting the urge to eat sweets.
  • The villagers are resisting the new construction project.
challenging

This word is best for situations where someone is questioning or testing the validity or authority of something or someone.

  • He is challenging the old traditions.
  • They are challenging the new policy in court.
rebelling

This word suits contexts where someone is resisting control or authority, often in a way that is seen as more emotional or part of a larger movement.

  • The teenagers were rebelling against their strict parents.
  • The colony was rebelling against the occupying forces.

Examples of usage

  • She was defying the school's dress code by wearing ripped jeans.
  • The protesters were defying the government's orders to disperse.
Context #2 | Verb

refusing to obey

Refusing to obey something or someone.

Synonyms

disobeying, disregarding, ignoring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defying

Used when someone is openly resisting or challenging authority, rules, or norms.

  • She was defying the school dress code by wearing that outfit.
  • He is known for defying expectations with his innovative art.
disobeying

Used when not following commands, orders, or rules, usually from someone in power. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • The soldier was punished for disobeying direct orders.
  • The child was scolded for disobeying his parents.
disregarding

Used when someone is ignoring advice, warnings, or rules, often in a careless or disrespectful manner. It suggests negligence.

  • He suffered the consequences of disregarding the safety instructions.
  • Disregarding the doctor's advice led to her condition worsening.
ignoring

Used when someone is deliberately paying no attention to someone or something. It can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context.

  • She kept ignoring his phone calls.
  • The cat always ignored the new toys.

Examples of usage

  • He kept defying his parents' instructions.
  • The criminal was defying the police's orders to surrender.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Defiance can be a natural response to perceived injustice or unfair authority.
  • Research suggests that defying expectations can boost self-esteem and encourage personal growth.
  • In children, defiance is often a way to assert independence and explore boundaries.

Pop Culture

  • Many popular songs and movies celebrate the theme of defiance, portraying characters who stand against the odds.
  • Forms of art, like punk music, often convey messages of defiance toward societal norms.
  • Iconic figures like rebellious superheroes in comics often embody the spirit of defying traditional limitations.

History

  • Throughout history, many social movements, like the Civil Rights Movement, included acts of defiance against unjust laws.
  • Famous defiance includes historical figures like Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat sparked a significant change.
  • Defying political authorities has led to critical changes, as seen in revolutions that altered the course of nations.

Literature

  • Defiance is a common theme in literature, often representing the struggle against oppression in novels and poetry.
  • Characters who defy societal norms often symbolize bravery, such as in 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood.
  • Classic stories like '1984' by George Orwell explore what it means to defy a totalitarian regime.

Origin of 'defying'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'defy' comes from the Latin 'defiare', meaning 'to challenge'.
  • It originally communicated a sense of daring someone to do something, like a challenge or contest.
  • It's related to the Old French word 'defier', which means to confront or challenge someone openly.

The word 'defying' originated from the Middle English word 'defien', which came from the Old French word 'desfier', meaning 'to challenge'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century.

See also: defiance, defiant.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,735, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.