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.
When the homicide rate was rising, it defied criminologists’ expectations, breaking away from the property crime decline of the 2010s.
From Salon ● Jul. 20, 2026
China’s exports defied forecasts of a slowdown, providing a vital boost to an economy still weighed down by weak domestic demand.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
Fery, who arrived at SW19 as the world number 114 and had never been beyond the second round of a Grand Slam, defied all expectations to reach the semi-finals.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
German exports unexpectedly rose in May, their fourth straight monthly increase, official data showed Thursday, as Europe's biggest economy defied headwinds from the Iran war.
From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026
"Yes. Her Grace bids me inform you that Ser Jacelyn Bywater defied a command issued in the king's own name."
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
