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

He defied recording studio conventions by bringing in natural light through large, soundproof windows instead of working in chambers sealed on all sides.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026

Tens of thousands of people defied social distancing rules to bid farewell to him as he lay in state at the presidential palace.

From Barron's ● Oct. 21, 2026

BATH, Maine — Election after election, Republican Sen. Susan Collins has defied national political winds to return to office, representing a state that has backed Democrats in every presidential contest since 1992.

From Salon ● Oct. 12, 2026

One senior Tory says "she has actually defied cynics like me" who initially disapproved of her leadership.

From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2026

The numbers were staggering and clearly defied a natural death rate.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

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