Defy
/dɪˈfaɪ/
verbB2
Definition
Defy means to say "no" or act against a rule, law, or person who has power. It often shows strong courage or determination because the person does not want to follow what others want. People can defy rules, dangers, or even expectations.
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⚡ See It in Action
To refuse to obey or follow rules, laws, or orders
- •The students defied the school rules by wearing hats inside.
- •She defied her parents and stayed out late.
- •The protestors defied the government’s orders.
To resist or challenge something difficult or powerful
- •The athlete defied the odds and won the race.
- •His courage defied the danger around him.
- •The small boat defied the strong waves.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "defy" like "say no" or "not follow," but stronger and braver—it's open and clear resistance
- ✓Picture a small child standing tall and shaking their head when told "Don't do that," showing they will not obey
- ✓It's the feeling when you decide to do something even if others say you cannot, like standing up to a challenge
- ✓Sounds like "de-FY" → imagine someone saying "I FLY above the rules," flying free and not following limits
- ✓Remember stories about heroes who defy kings or laws to do what they believe is right
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (which means to not pay attention quietly), "defy" is active and bold resistance
- ✓NOT like "obey" (to follow rules), "defy" is the opposite—choosing not to obey
- ✓NOT like "disobey" (which can be quiet or secret), "defy" is often open and proud refusal
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Disobey: to not follow rules or orders (Use when the refusal is less open or less proud than defy)
- •Challenge: to question or fight against something (Use when the focus is on testing or opposing something, not just refusing)
- •Oppose: to be against something (Use when showing disagreement, often in ideas or plans)
- •Ignore: to pay no attention to something (Use when refusal is quiet or passive, not active)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: No clear prefix or suffix; root "defy" comes as a whole word
- •Etymology: From Old French "defier," from Latin "disfidare" meaning "to distrust" or "to renounce a claim"
- •Historical development: Originally meant to challenge or refuse trust; over time, it came to mean open refusal or resistance
- •Modern usage: Used to describe bold refusal to obey rules, laws, or expectations, and to show strong courage against difficulties
💭 Reflect & Connect
•When is it good to defy rules, and when might it cause problems?
•How does defying something show a person’s character or feelings?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.People often defy ___ when they believe the rules are unfair or wrong.
2.She defied her parents’ wishes because she felt ___ to make her own choice.
3.Unlike quietly ignoring orders, to defy means to ___ the command openly.
4.The hero defied danger by ___ forward even when scared.
5.Athletes sometimes defy ___ by winning when no one expects them to.
6.When someone defies authority, they usually show ___ or strong will.
7.Defying a rule means you do not ___ it, and you may face consequences.