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.
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson bought a claim to what Alexander Mikaberidze aptly calls “a domain so vast that it defied easy comprehension.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026
The widespread assumption of stagnation in the second half is being defied with Q3 heading for 0.6 to 0.8%.
From BBC ● Oct. 26, 2026
The U.K. economy defied expectations of a slowdown in activity following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, expanding by 1.2% in the first half of the year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026
He defied recording studio conventions by bringing in natural light through large, soundproof windows instead of working in chambers sealed on all sides.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026
This bear had defied him, and he had hated it with every fiber of his existence.
From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
