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.
The sweeping decision comes more than 20 years after Newsom emerged in the national consciousness when, as mayor of San Francisco, he defied federal law and allowed same-sex marriages in the City by the Bay.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 7, 2026
Beating the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees on their budget defied any reasonable expectation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
"If we fail to build this capability, surviving as a country in our region will become difficult. Countries with sufficient preparation are not easily defied," he said.
From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026
Tens of thousands of people defied social distancing rules to bid farewell to him as he lay in state at the presidential palace.
From Barron's ● Oct. 21, 2026
The few passengers who defied the drivers usually cooled off at the police station, paid their fines, and tried to put their humiliating experiences behind them.
From "Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice" by Phillip Hoose
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