defiance

¹

[ dih-fahy-uhns ]

noun

1. a daring or bold resistance to authority or to any opposing force.
2. open disregard; contempt (often followed by of ):

   defiance of danger; His refusal amounted to defiance.

3. a challenge to meet in combat or in a contest.

Defiance

²

[ dih-fahy-uhns ]

noun

1. a city in NW Ohio.

defiance

/ dɪˈfaɪəns /

noun

1. open or bold resistance to or disregard for authority, opposition, or power
2. a challenging attitude or behaviour; challenge

Other Words From

• nonde·fiance noun
• prede·fiance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of defiance¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French; equivalent to defy + -ance

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. bid defiance to, to offer resistance; defy.
2. in defiance of, in spite of; notwithstanding:

   There was a splendid audience in defiance of the rainstorm.

More idioms and phrases containing defiance

see in defiance of .

Example Sentences

The film may struggle to take flight, but when it does, it is undeniably moving, with a message of freedom and defiance that resonates now more than ever.

From Los Angeles Times

That is no guarantee they will go along with whatever he says going forward, but it is something to recall when encountering notes of defiance in 2024.

From Salon

Even he admitted he was unsure and there was an air of resignation, mixed with occasional bouts of defiance, about Gatland in his interviews after the Australia defeat.

From BBC

Malala says that, for women in Afghanistan, "defiance is extremely challenging".

From BBC

It was a slow, stubborn defiance of the passing years, paying his respects his own way, when all the other groups had finished, cheered on by the crowds nearby on the pavement.

From BBC

Related Words

• confrontation
• contempt
• opposition
• provocation
• rebellion
• spite