defy
verb (used with object)
to challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly.
were 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.
Another 20% were defying orders to depart, while about two-thirds of cases were still unresolved, as many as six years after their arrival.
From Washington Times ● Apr. 18, 2022
The Polish trade unionists of the Solidarity movement, who were defying Soviet oppression on the opposite side of the planet, had inspired Americans to learn.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 30, 2022
Now, three years after the German surrender, Americans were defying Soviet guns to feed hungry Germans.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 18, 2022
In a post on Twitter, the group said "14 ordinary people" had caused major disruption on the motorway and were defying the government injunction .
From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2021
Okay, so Penelope and I became the hot topic because we were defying the great and powerful Earl.
From "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
