defied
Americanadjective
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of defied
First recorded in 1810–20; defy ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. ) for the adjective; defy ( def. ) + -ed 1 ( def. ) for the verb
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.
Norman, a veteran conservative and member of the hardline House Freedom Caucus, supports much of Trump's agenda but has occasionally defied Republican leaders and backed Nikki Haley rather than Trump in the 2024 presidential primary.
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
But she also defied the industry tendency to pigeonhole performers based on the breakout success of characters like Claire Bennet.
From Salon ● Aug. 19, 2026
His films so strongly defied categorization that they necessitated an eponymous term: Lynchian.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
It defied the publishers' predictions and became a huge hit.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
All of this defied Durham’s reputation as a model for the New South, a public relations line Fuller heard often when he first arrived.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
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.
