Defy
/dɪˈfaɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo resist or refuse to obey someone or something.
/dɪˈfaɪ/
To openly resist or refuse to obey.
The rebels defied the authority of the king.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite food is on the counter, but your parents said no. You *defy* them and sneak a bite. It's like doing something you're not supposed to.
👶 For kids: To say 'no' to someone or something, and not do what they say.
More Examples
She defied her parents and dropped out of school.
His actions defied all common sense.
How It's Used
"The protesters defied the government's orders."
"He was charged with defying a court order."
"The building's architecture defied the laws of physics."
To make (something) impossible or difficult to do, achieve, or understand.
/dɪˈfaɪ/
To appear to be impossible to do or overcome.
The intricate pattern on the cloth defied any attempt at duplication.
💡 Simply: Picture a puzzle so hard, it *defies* all your efforts to solve it. It's like trying to catch the wind.
👶 For kids: To be so hard that you can't do it or understand it.
More Examples
His remarkable recovery defied all medical expectations.
The intricate code defied attempts at decryption.
How It's Used
"Her aging process defied the passage of time."
"The explanation defied comprehension."
Idioms & expressions
defy description
To be so unusual or impressive that it is impossible to describe in words.
"The sunset was so beautiful it defied description."
From Old French *defier* 'to renounce, refuse to obey', from Vulgar Latin *diffidare* 'to renounce one's faith', from Latin *dis-* 'away' + *fidere* 'to trust'.
The word has been used since the 14th century, initially meaning to challenge someone to a duel or to renounce a legal agreement.
Memory tip
Think of a rebellious 'DEFIANT' child. They 'defy' their parents.
Word Origin
"to renounce one's faith; to challenge"