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Defy   /dɪfˈaɪ/   Listen
Defy

verb
(past & past part. defied; pres. part. defying)
1.
Resist or confront with resistance.  Synonyms: hold, hold up, withstand.  "The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear" , "The bridge held"
2.
Elude, especially in a baffling way.  Synonyms: refuse, resist.
3.
Challenge.  Synonym: dare.






WordNet 3.0 © 2010 Princeton University








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"Defy" Quotes from Famous Books



... go all over London," said Leander, "and you won't find a coiffure, though I say it, to set closer and defy detection more naturally than the one you've got on; selected from the best imported foreign hair in the market, I ...
— The Tinted Venus - A Farcical Romance • F. Anstey

... of company, while I sat in my chair, leaning my face towards them; and when I was engaged with one set, the coachmen would gently drive the others round my table. I have passed many an afternoon very agreeably in these conversations. But I defy the treasurer, or his two informers (I will name them, and let them make the best of it) Clustril and Drunlo, to prove that any person ever came to me incognito, except the secretary Reldresal, who was sent by express command of his imperial majesty, as I have before related. I should ...
— Gulliver's Travels - into several remote nations of the world • Jonathan Swift

... folk, so that when any one was in danger or difficulty, it was to Tom Hickathrift he must turn. It chanced that about this time many idle and rebellious persons drew themselves together in and about the Isle of Ely, and set themselves to defy the ...
— Young Folks Treasury, Volume 2 (of 12) • Various

... unsupported, by the blessing of God, I shall do my duty. I see well enough all the adverse indications. But I am sustained by a deep and a conscientious sense of duty; and while supported by that feeling, and while such great interests are at stake, I defy auguries, and ask no omen but my ...
— The Great Speeches and Orations of Daniel Webster • Daniel Webster

... undaunted, he replied, 'She'll never be a boy!' Nevertheless Maurice was developing a species of conscience, rendering him trustworthy and obedient out of sight, better, in fact, alone with his own honour and his mother's commands, than with any authority that he could defy. He knew when his father meant to be obeyed, and Gilbert managed him easily; but he warred with Lucy, ruled Sophy, and had no chivalry for any one but little Albinia, nor obedience except for his mother, and was a terror to maid-servants and elder children. With much of promise, ...
— The Young Step-Mother • Charlotte M. Yonge


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