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.
He said commissioners were defying “a very clear indication from the citizens to not be in the spaceport business.”
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 14, 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
