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

Gaetz, who led the successful effort to depose former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023, claimed that the investigations were punishment for his defiance.

From Salon

It’s up to four Republican senators out of 53 to play hero, and as Liz Cheney learned, playing hero in defiance of Donald Trump can end your career.

From Slate

But it's hard to imagine that even his loony crew will allow Homan to send the military into New York and Los Angeles to roust immigrants from their homes in defiance of state and local authorities.

From Salon

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

But instead of defeat, there was a spirit of resiliency and defiance as neighbors helped neighbors and many talked of rebuilding as quickly as possible.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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