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 numbers suggest Forest are defying data trends, but they are ruthless and effective, while Nuno has also praised their spirit.
From BBC ● Jan. 13, 2025
Claiming that it deprives them of their water rights and could put them out of business, both Mojave Pistachios and Searles Minerals are defying an order to pay the fees or cease pumping.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 9, 2023
Both tend to move slowly, but are defying expectations that they would take time to bounce back.
From New York Times ● Jul. 22, 2021
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
