defies

verbchallenge, frustrate

Synonyms for defies

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Antonyms for defies

Word Origin & History

c.1300, "to renounce one's allegiance;" mid-14c., "to challenge, defy," from Old French defier, desfier "to challenge, defy, provoke; renounce (a belief), repudiate (a vow, etc.)," from Vulgar Latin *disfidare "renounce one's faith," from Latin dis- "away" (see dis-) + fidus "faithful" (see faith).

Example Sentences fordefies

It is the falsehood of the silliest poetry to say he defies the image of his beloved.

I now come to a point in the drama which at once demands and defies explanation.

All is soil for the plough, all defies our designs for complete explanation.

If, however, one of the challenged be a spirited fellow, he defies him.

He defies the stick, and he would defy the gallows if it were far enough off.

But it is civilization which defies it and brings down the penalty.

"He says that he does not believe in spirits, and that he defies them," she answered.

"Master Robert defies the majesty of the law," said Winter dryly.

It is to him that I owe what is my only beauty, and I am assured that it defies detection.

The scene of the instant after that defies ordinary description.