Definitions for: Defiance

[n] a defiant act
[n] intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude
[n] a hostile challenge

Webster (1913) Definition: De*fi"ance, n. [OF. defiance, desfiance, challenge,
fr. desfier to challenge, F. d['e]fier. See Defy.]
1. The act of defying, putting in opposition, or provoking to
combat; a challenge; a provocation; a summons to combat.

A war without a just defiance made. --Dryden.

Stood for her cause, and flung defiance down.
--Tennyson.

2. A state of opposition; willingness to flight; disposition
to resist; contempt of opposition.

He breathed defiance to my ears. --Shak.

3. A casting aside; renunciation; rejection. [Obs.]
``Defiance to thy kindness.'' --Ford.

To bid defiance, To set at defiance, to defy; to
disregard recklessly or contemptuously. --Locke.

Synonyms: rebelliousness

See Also: challenge, insubordination, intractability, intractableness, obstreperousness, resistance

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