defied

American  

[dih-fahyd] / dɪˈfaɪd /

adjective

1. challenged or resisted boldly or openly; rebelled against.

   Both novels end with a degree of reconciliation and acceptance between the defied parent and the wayward child.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of defy.

Other Word Forms

• undefied adjective

Etymology

Origin of defied

First recorded in 1810–20; defy ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective; defy ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb

Example Sentences

The ability to appoint a new supreme leader defied the expectations of its enemies, said Ali Larijani, head of the national security council.

From The Wall Street Journal

Shale companies have defied predictions that they would hit the brakes and pushed the national crude output to a record average of 13.6 million barrels of oil a day last year.

From The Wall Street Journal

A gauge of manufacturing activity signaled continued improvement in some of Asia’s top exporting economies midway through the first quarter, as demand for the region’s goods defied a volatile global environment.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 2009, they defied threats from the regime to lead opposition rallies.

From The Wall Street Journal

Villa defied the odds to keep pace with Arsenal and Manchester City in the title race until recent weeks, but a 1-1 draw continued their poor run at Villa Park.

From Barron's

Related Words

• confront
• disregard
• elude
• flout
• ignore
• mock
• oppose
• provoke
• resist
• ridicule
• spurn
• thwart
• violate
• withstand