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

These results would be impressive for any cancer drug, but especially for a disease that has defied treatment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

Norman, a veteran conservative and member of the hardline House Freedom Caucus, supports much of Trump's agenda but has occasionally defied Republican leaders and backed Nikki Haley rather than Trump in the 2024 presidential primary.

From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026

Satwant Singh, 48, defied a hosepipe ban to fight the fire in Hounslow, in which one woman died.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

But she also defied the industry tendency to pigeonhole performers based on the breakout success of characters like Claire Bennet.

From Salon ● Aug. 19, 2026

“It’s you guys! Arthur and Ben! You defied the odds. This is that Hollywood love. I have no doubts about you two. Distance be damned.”

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera