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

When I asked Queen Rania if she believed a lasting peace was possible, she said hope for this was not naive, but a form of defiance.

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In the midst of an acrimonious and widely publicised custody battle for their two young boys, the Princess of Pop said she acted out in defiance and wanted to give the press "some material".

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Loyalty is rewarded, and defiance can carry a price.

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“No professional league should lend its brand to companies operating in defiance of state law and consumer protection norms.”

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Ms Annamalai told the BBC that the women deliberately chose their outfits to send a statement and "show our defiance and solidarity".

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Related Words

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