Definitions for: Defy


[v] challenge; "I dare you!"
[v] resist or confront with resistance; "The politician defied public opinion"; "The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear"; "The bridge held"
[v] elude, esp. in a baffling way; "This behavior defies explanation"



Webster (1913) Definition: De*fy", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defied; p. pr. & vb. n.
Defying.] [F. d['e]fier, OF. deffier, desfier, LL.
disfidare to disown faith or fidelity, to dissolve the bond
of allegiance, as between the vassal and his lord; hence, to
challenge, defy; fr. L. dis- + fides faith. See Faith, and
cf. Diffident, Affiance.]
1. To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or
obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce. [Obs.]

I defy the surety and the bond. --Chaucer.

For thee I have defied my constant mistress. --Beau.
& Fl.

2. To provoke to combat or strife; to call out to combat; to
challenge; to dare; to brave; to set at defiance; to treat
with contempt; as, to defy an enemy; to defy the power of
a magistrate; to defy the arguments of an opponent; to
defy public opinion.

I once again Defy thee to the trial of mortal fight.
--Milton.

I defy the enemies of our constitution to show the
contrary. --Burke.


De*fy", n.
A challenge. [Obs.] --Dryden.

Synonyms: dare, hold, hold up, refuse, withstand

Antonyms: apply, lend oneself

See Also: beggar, brave, brave out, brazen, challenge, elude, endure, escape, hold out, resist, stand firm, weather

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