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.
Fery, who arrived at SW19 as the world number 114 and had never been beyond the second round of a Grand Slam, defied all expectations to reach the semi-finals.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
German exports unexpectedly rose in May, their fourth straight monthly increase, official data showed Thursday, as Europe's biggest economy defied headwinds from the Iran war.
From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026
Like he cannot believe this wonderful thing that has just happened even if he was the one who sweat and ran and defied physics to make it happen.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
Still, Netanyahu is an experienced campaigner with a record of comebacks that defied expectations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
The oldest Wong sister might get away with moving out for a few years, but if I defied tradition that way, I’d be cast out for good.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
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.
