Cool MateMeaning of Defy
to refuse to obey or show respect for somebody in authority, a law, a rule, etc.
In simple words: To refuse to obey or accept something.
Defy in a sentence
- She decided to defy the odds and start her own business despite the challenges.
- The small boat seemed to defy the powerful storm on the open sea.
- He chose to defy the rules by staying out past curfew.
- The architect’s design appeared to defy gravity, with structures jutting out at impossible angles.
- Despite warnings, the protestors continued to defy the government’s restrictions.
How to use Defy
Often used in contexts where someone challenges authority or expectations. It can be appropriate in both serious discussions and everyday conversations, but may sound overly dramatic in casual contexts.
Grammar pattern
defy + object
Memory hint
Sounds like 'defy' — picture a person defiantly standing against a wall of rules.
Related words
Collocations with Defy
- openly
- be prepared to
- be willing to
- continue to
Common mistakes with Defy
- Confusing with 'deny' which means to say something is not true.
- Using 'defy' without an object, which can sound incomplete.
- Confusing past forms, e.g. saying 'defied to the rules' instead of 'defied the rules'.
Defy appears in
Defy in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
يتحدى
أن ترفض الطاعة أو قبول شيء ما.
- Bengaliবাংলা
অমান্য করা, চ্যালেঞ্জ করা
কোনো কিছু মানতে বা গ্রহণ করতে অস্বীকার করা।
- GermanDeutsch
trotzen, sich widersetzen
Sich weigern, etwas zu gehorchen oder zu akzeptieren.
- SpanishEspañol
Desafiar
Rechazar obedecer o aceptar algo.
- Persianفارسی
چالش کردن، نافرمانی کردن
امتناع از اطاعت یا پذیرش چیزی.
- FrenchFrançais
défier
Refuser d'obéir ou d'accepter quelque chose.
- Hindiहिन्दी
अवज्ञा करना
किसी चीज़ का पालन करने या स्वीकार करने से इनकार करना।
- ItalianItaliano
sfidare, opporsi a
Rifiutarsi di obbedire o accettare qualcosa.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Desafiar
Recusar-se a obedecer ou aceitar algo.
- RussianРусский
бросать вызов, игнорировать
Отказаться подчиняться или принимать что-то.
- Urduاردو
انکار کردن، مخالفت کردن
کسی چیز کو ماننے یا قبول کرنے سے انکار کرنا۔
- Chinese中文
违抗, 挑战
拒绝服从或接受某事。
More words like Defy
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Frequently asked questions about Defy
What does Defy mean?
To refuse to obey or accept something.
What is the definition of Defy?
to refuse to obey or show respect for somebody in authority, a law, a rule, etc.
How do you use Defy in a sentence?
She decided to defy the odds and start her own business despite the challenges.
Can you give another example of Defy?
The small boat seemed to defy the powerful storm on the open sea.
What are synonyms for Defy?
Common alternatives include challenge, resist, confront, oppose, disobey.
What is the opposite of Defy?
Opposite meanings include obey, comply, submit.
What words go with Defy?
It commonly pairs with openly, be prepared to, be willing to, continue to.
What are common mistakes when using Defy?
Confusing with 'deny' which means to say something is not true. Using 'defy' without an object, which can sound incomplete. Confusing past forms, e.g. saying 'defied to the rules' instead of 'defied the rules'.
How do you pronounce Defy?
US: /["/dɪˈfaɪ/","/dɪˈfaɪz/","/dɪˈfaɪd/","/dɪˈfaɪɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈfaɪ/","/dɪˈfaɪz/","/dɪˈfaɪd/","/dɪˈfaɪɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Defy?
Often used in contexts where someone challenges authority or expectations. It can be appropriate in both serious discussions and everyday conversations, but may sound overly dramatic in casual contexts.
What CEFR level is Defy?
"Defy" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.