Defying: meaning, definitions and examples

🚫

Add to dictionary

defying

[dɪˈfaɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

challenging authority

Resisting or challenging authority, rules, or conventions.

Synonyms

challenging, rebelling, resisting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

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

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.

...
19732 jobber
19733 polo
19734 ecologically
19735 defying
19736 victimized
19737 plumb
19738 laminate
...