Defy

Pronunciation: /dɪˈfaɪ/

Defy (verb)

  1. to refuse to obey someone or something.
  2. to be difficult for something to affect or change.
  3. to challenge someone to do something difficult or dangerous.

Examples

  • They defy the rules to make a point.
  • Students often defy school regulations.

Common collocations: defy the rules, defy authority, defy the odds, defy expectations, defy someone

Synonyms of Defy

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Antonyms of Defy

  • when discussing obedience to rules
  • when referring to yielding to authority