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.
Moscow issued a similar warning in May but heads of state and governments from countries backing Ukraine have defied it by travelling to the war-torn country and the capital in show of support.
From Barron's ● Oct. 3, 2026
Only two players have defied that trend in the past two decades and both are all-time greats who can be considered outliers.
From BBC ● Apr. 7, 2026
China’s exports have defied trade uncertainty, but risks persist and domestic demand has remained subdued.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 19, 2026
Other kids might have defied the closures and gone anyway, but Anthony followed rules with inflexible intensity, Neal said, especially the ones he set for himself.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 20, 2025
All eyes are fixed on people like Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, who have defied the odds and risen to power, fame, and fortune.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
