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.

Sir Keir said he is "focused on the job" as PM, as he defied calls from his MPs to step down after poor election results.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Moderna defied expectations of a Covid-revenue slowdown on Friday as a surge in international vaccine sales underpinned its first-quarter results.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

He returned several times to photograph it, and his conversations with the owner and employees led him to other New England mills that had defied old age.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

The 5th Circuit defied this command on Tuesday, and its excuse for doing so was rice-paper-thin.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

The screwheads defied both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer