Defying: meaning, definitions and examples

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defying

 

[ dɪˈfaɪɪŋ ]

Verb
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

Translations of the word "defying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desafiando

🇮🇳 अवहेलना कर रहा है

🇩🇪 trotzend

🇮🇩 menentang

🇺🇦 кидаючи виклик

🇵🇱 przeciwstawiający się

🇯🇵 挑戦する (ちょうせんする)

🇫🇷 défiant

🇪🇸 desafiando

🇹🇷 meydan okuyan

🇰🇷 도전하는

🇸🇦 يتحدى

🇨🇿 vzdorující

🇸🇰 odporujúci

🇨🇳 挑战 (tiǎozhàn)

🇸🇮 kljubovalni

🇮🇸 ögrandi

🇰🇿 қарсы шығу

🇬🇪 გამოსწვევი

🇦🇿 meydan oxumaq

🇲🇽 desafiando

Etymology

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.