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.

See Examples For:

defied

German growth rose faster than previously estimated in the second quarter thanks to strong exports, official data showed Tuesday, as Europe's biggest economy defied the turmoil unleashed by the Iran war.

From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026

The stock market shuddered Thursday after investors resumed a weekslong bond selloff that has defied the Treasury Department’s attempts to curb borrowing costs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

These are the reasons I am predicting a Premier League drop-off for the Cherries - but would not be surprised to see this one defied.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

But she also defied the industry tendency to pigeonhole performers based on the breakout success of characters like Claire Bennet.

From Salon ● Aug. 19, 2026

Now I was truly dead to Granny and Aunt Addie, but my mother smiled when I told her that I had defied them.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright