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Synonyms

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.

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.

defiance British  
/ dɪˈfaɪəns /

noun

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

  2. a challenging attitude or behaviour; challenge

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
defiance More Idioms  

  1. see in defiance of.

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And an underdog who stayed in the contest in defiance of steep odds and, seemingly, common sense.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

It was confusion, or maybe wishful thinking, or was it outright defiance?

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Iran's government, run by Shia Muslim clerics, has voiced defiance.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

In his address, he tried to balance defiance and openness, rejecting surrender while signalling restraint towards neighbouring states.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

This year for the first time he sold his grain as soon as it was harvested, and when he felt the silver upon his palm he gripped it hard in defiance.

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.