defy
verb (used with object)
to challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly.
was defying
-
past progressiveof defy.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
He was defying the inspectors’ authority—and risking imprisonment.
From Slate ● Nov. 13, 2025
But, in his interview with me last week, the President denied he was defying the judiciary, pointing out that when rulings have gone against him, he has sought remedy through the court process.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2025
Wilde’s parents had struggled to understand why their daughter wasn’t applying herself in school and was defying their rules.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 26, 2022
Stuart Scheller, a combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, testified that he knew he was defying orders and that his life began “spiraling” after he posted his first video in August.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 14, 2021
I didn’t know what or whom he was defying.
From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
