defied

[dih-fahyd] / dɪˈfaɪd /

VERB

challenge, frustrate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confront disregard elude flout ignore mock oppose provoke resist ridicule spurn thwart violate withstand

STRONG

baffle beard brave contemn dare defeat deride despise face foil front gibe insult repel repulse scorn slight stick venture

WEAK

fly in face of hang tough hurl defiance at make my day outdare stick fast take one on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist flatter help note pay attention praise regard respect

STRONG

abet admire attract commend compliment encourage give up hide like love

WEAK

give in obey surrender yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Still, demand from investors has generally defied the skeptics so far.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

King defied expectations as a teenage mother who dropped out of school to gatecrash the predominantly white male music industry.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Behind the scenes, Monroe founded her own production company, attended the prestigious Actors Studio in New York, and even defied the studios.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

You’ve both defied the odds and enjoyed successful careers as actors.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

He was, after all, the boy who had defied Dana Matherson and survived.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen