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.

The mansion’s goings-on were evidence that Hefner had amassed enough money and prestige to get his way, even when his way defied social norms, public-health best practices, and the law.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 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

European stocks defied falls in the U.S. and Asia with banking, retail-focused companies and software stocks rallying.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 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

All eyes are fixed on people like Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, who have defied the odds and risen to power, fame, and fortune.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander