defy
verb (used with object)
to challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly.
has been defying
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present perfect progressiveof defy (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Here, in their own words, the model and her mother Yvonne explain how Ellie has been defying expectations since the day she was born.
From BBC ● Dec. 30, 2023
Cameron has been defying naysayers and pioneering new filmmaking techniques for over 30 years.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 13, 2023
The 52-year-old has been defying the laws of aging and did so again last weekend when she and Affleck made their red carpet debut as Bennifer 2.0 at the Venice Film Festival.
From Fox News ● Sep. 13, 2021
The Rev. Tony Spell, pastor of the megachurch Life Tabernacle outside Baton Rouge, has been defying an emergency order by the governor banning gatherings of more than 50 people.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 5, 2020
It will be a daunting task, but Rivera has been defying predictions of his pending demise for years.
From Seattle Times ● May 6, 2012
