defy
verb (used with object)
to challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly.
defying
-
present participleof defy.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Sales at retailers dropped 0.6% last month, the government said Thursday, defying Wall Street’s forecast of a small increase.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 14, 2026
The balanced stock-bond portfolio is defying the widespread argument that it is no longer an appropriate approach.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026
They included General Dietrich von Choltitz, the last Nazi commander in Paris, who arrived in late August 1944 after defying Hitler and surrendering the city.
From Barron's ● Aug. 5, 2026
O’Hearn accused the government of defying her orders when, instead of releasing the man, Immigration and Customs Enforcement transferred him to a different facility in New York.
From Salon ● Jul. 30, 2026
These women are pillars of wonder, defying gravity while wearing the ho-hum aspect of perfect tedium.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
