defy
verb (used with object)
to challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly.
are defying
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present progressiveof defy.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
Investors are defying the Treasury Department’s attempts to curb borrowing costs, sending yields higher and pressuring data-center hyperscalers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
The former Athletic Bilbao defender, who played under Bielsa, has done a stunning job at Rayo, who are defying the natural order in Spain by sitting fifth in La Liga.
From BBC ● Feb. 7, 2023
“Black women are defying the odds, getting venture capital to do this, and now you are effectively closing our business,” Skanes told the board.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 25, 2022
Now, young women are defying their mothers and grandmothers by refusing to undergo the procedure, known as “bondo.”
From New York Times ● Jun. 15, 2022
It's Nature's laws, you know, you are defying.
From Are Women People? A Book of Rhymes for Suffrage Times by Alice Duer Miller
