defiance

¹ American  

[dih-fahy-uhns] / dɪˈfaɪ əns /

noun

1. a daring or bold resistance to authority or to any opposing force.

2. open disregard; contempt (often followed byof ).

   defiance of danger; His refusal amounted to defiance.

3. a challenge to meet in combat or in a contest.

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idioms

1. bid defiance to,  to offer resistance; defy.

2. in defiance of,  in spite of; notwithstanding.

   There was a splendid audience in defiance of the rainstorm.

Defiance ² American  

[dih-fahy-uhns] / dɪˈfaɪ əns /

noun

1. a city in NW Ohio.

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defiance British  

/ dɪˈfaɪəns /

noun

1. open or bold resistance to or disregard for authority, opposition, or power

2. a challenging attitude or behaviour; challenge

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defiance More Idioms  

1. see in defiance of.

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Other Word Forms

• nondefiance noun
• predefiance noun

Etymology

Origin of defiance

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French; equivalent to defy + -ance

Example Sentences

In defiance of the governor’s proclamation, Rhode Islanders went to work on Dec. 1 and declined to attend religious services.

From The Wall Street Journal

These oddballs have little in common besides their defiance of village norms and their families’ mutual disapproval.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, the defiance of Mr. Khamenei appears neither scripted nor rehearsed.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Obasi suggests the attacks "may also be acts of defiance by some armed groups, taunting the US to make good on its threat of military action in Nigeria".

From Barron's

It was seen by the Nazi authorities as provocative defiance.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• confrontation
• contempt
• opposition
• provocation
• rebellion
• spite