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

Even if Johnson had defied a federal statute, they argued, it was merely to allow the Supreme Court to decide its constitutionality.

From Slate ● Sep. 16, 2026

For so long now Djokovic has not only defied time, but appeared to be improving with it.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

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

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