defy

Verb
Synonyms: withstandholdhold upresistrefusedare

WordNet 3.0

Verb (3)

  1. resist or confront with resistance“The politician defied public opinion”“The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear”“The bridge held”Synonyms: withstandholdhold up
  2. elude, especially in a baffling way“This behavior defies explanation”Synonyms: resistrefuse
  3. challenge“I dare you!”Synonyms: dare
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

defy \de*fy"\ (d[-e]*f[imac]"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defied (d[-e]*f[imac]d"); p. pr. & vb. n. Defying.] [F. d['e]fier, OF. deffier, desfier, LL. disfidare to disown faith or fidelity, to dissolve the bond of allegiance, as between the vassal and his lord; hence, to challenge, defy; fr. L. dis- + fides faith. See Faith, and cf. Diffident, Affiance.]

1.To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

I defy the surety and the bond.— Chaucer.[1913 Webster]
For thee I have defied my constant mistress.— Beau. & Fl.[1913 Webster]

2.To provoke to combat or strife; to call out to combat; to challenge; to dare; to brave; to set at defiance; to treat with contempt; as, to defy an enemy; to defy the power of a magistrate; to defy the arguments of an opponent; to defy public opinion. [1913 Webster]

I once again Defy thee to the trial of mortal fight.— Milton.[1913 Webster]
I defy the enemies of our constitution to show the contrary.— Burke.[1913 Webster]
defy \de*fy"\ (d[-e]*f[imac]"), n. A challenge. [Obs.] --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
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