defy
verb (used with object)
to challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly.
defying
-
present participleof defy.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
The AI chip leader was defying the ongoing sector slump early Friday.
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
Official figures showed the economy expanded by 0.1% in the month, defying analysts' expectations of a slight contraction.
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026
The U.S. economy keeps powering through inflation, tariffs and higher borrowing costs, defying a run-up in Treasury yields and a Fed rate increase.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026
The US House of Representatives has agreed to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress for defying legal summons related to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026
At the last second, I swerved away, defying death and tempting the serpent.
From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck
