defy

verb
/dɪˈfaɪ/

Meaning

to openly resist or refuse to obey someone or something; to challenge or dare someone to do something
To openly resist or refuse to obey.

Example Sentences

The protesters continued to defy the government's ban on public gatherings.

The protesters chose to defy the government's orders.

Example Expressions

defy the odds

Synonyms

resist, oppose, challenge, disobey, confront
Entry 1
resist, oppose, challenge, disobey
Entry 2
resist, oppose, confront, challenge

Antonyms

obey, comply, submit, surrender, yield
Entry 1
obey, comply, submit, surrender
Entry 2
obey, submit, yield

Collocations

defy authority, defy orders, defy expectations, defy gravity, defy logic
Entry 1
defy authority, defy orders, defy expectations, defy gravity, defy logic
Entry 2
defy authority, defy expectations, defy gravity

Related Vocabularies

to gradually take over or intrude on someone’s rights, territory, or space
to refuse to accept or admit something; to declare something untrue
to set someone free from legal, social, or political restrictions; to liberate from slavery or oppre...
To use something incorrectly or for the wrong purpose.
to do physical activity; to use or practice
To express the meaning of something using different words, often to make it clearer.

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