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.
BATH, Maine — Election after election, Republican Sen. Susan Collins has defied national political winds to return to office, representing a state that has backed Democrats in every presidential contest since 1992.
From Salon ● Oct. 12, 2026
Even if Johnson had defied a federal statute, they argued, it was merely to allow the Supreme Court to decide its constitutionality.
From Slate ● Sep. 16, 2026
Despite his start in life, Sam defied the odds to become a primary school teacher, inspired by one special woman who he said believed in him at his school in south Wales.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026
The industrial sector in Europe’s largest economy has mostly defied fears that the surge in energy prices since the start of the Iran conflict would hurt activity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026
After several days of fighting, three British generals, alarmed by the heavy loss of life, defied army tradition by protesting directly to their superior, General Douglas Haig.
From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
