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.

His characters have aged in subsequent books, but the city has defied the laws of entropy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The e-bike craze, which is putting many people, including kids, in the hospital at an alarming rate, has thus far defied similar regulatory frameworks.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

While Nichola says Lou has "defied the odds" and attends a mainstream school, she suffers with mental processing difficulties, mood disorders and behavioural conditions.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Another tech name defied a broader artificial intelligence slump– Qnity Electronics.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

If he gets it at all, he will have defied the odds.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times