defiance

¹

[dih-fahy-uhns]

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.

Defiance

²

[dih-fahy-uhns]

noun

1. a city in NW Ohio.

defiance

/ dɪˈfaɪəns /

noun

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

2. a challenging attitude or behaviour; challenge

Other Word Forms

• nondefiance noun
• predefiance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of defiance¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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.

see in defiance of.

Example Sentences

To Maxim Samson, a geographer, desire paths are small acts of disobedience, “a sign of defiance against inflexible design.”

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The human toll of the war, and a defiance in the face of international criticism over it, led some of Israel’s traditional Western allies to turn against it.

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The hidden funding conduit has deepened economic ties between the two U.S. rivals in defiance of Washington’s efforts to isolate Iran.

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Many Jewish leaders have urged their communities to react with defiance.

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Church said her fury and defiance at the situation helped her survive the media scrutiny and coverage, and "kept me protected".

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Related Words

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