defy
verb (used with object)
to challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly.
have defied
-
present perfectof defy.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
And it’s not the first time the Ducks have defied the odds this postseason.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 7, 2026
Sahir explained that with time they have been accepted as a couple, adding that they have "defied all odds and all the naysayers" and will this year celebrate 20 years of marriage.
From BBC ● Feb. 14, 2026
Luxury-room prices have defied a drop-off in foreign tourists to the U.S. and a job slump among white-collar workers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 11, 2025
However, Datadog tentatively appears to have defied that slump.
From Barron's ● Nov. 6, 2025
We have defied the day as it was set out for us.
From "Every Day" by David Levithan
