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.

Oil discoveries in the 1920s brought thousands to the rural Texas Panhandle in fast-growing communities that sometimes defied the rule of law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The 5th Circuit defied this command on Tuesday, and its excuse for doing so was rice-paper-thin.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

The e-bike craze, which is putting many people, including kids, in the hospital at an alarming rate, has thus far defied similar regulatory frameworks.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Having never appeared ripped or sculpted, Fury has repeatedly defied conventional expectations of what a "fit" heavyweight should look like, relying on movement, reactions and ring IQ to outmanoeuvre opponents.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

This is the same Princess that defied the bombs in London, the one that is brave and heroic.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood