defied

[ dih-fahyd ]

adjective

1. challenged or resisted boldly or openly; rebelled against:

   Both novels end with a degree of reconciliation and acceptance between the defied parent and the wayward child.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of defy.

Other Words From

• un·de·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of defied¹

First recorded in 1810–20; defy ( def ) + -ed ²( def ) for the adjective; defy ( def ) + -ed ¹( def ) for the verb

Example Sentences

The myriad accomplishments by Black Americans in the face of the oppressive conditions of slavery and racial hierarchy openly defied stereotypes of their inferiority.

From Salon

Also driving their campaign is fear of North Korea, which has defied the international community to develop its own nuclear weapons.

From Los Angeles Times

Californians have defied the state’s liberal reputation when voting on ballot measures before.

From Los Angeles Times

His candidacy again surmounted innumerable obstacles and defied much of a political establishment that views him with utter disdain.

From Los Angeles Times

The one-man highlight reel produced a mesmerising backwards leap over a defender that almost defied the laws of physics.

From BBC

Related Words

• confront
• disregard
• elude
• flout
• ignore
• mock
• oppose
• provoke
• resist
• ridicule
• spurn
• thwart
• violate
• withstand