Meaning
To defy is to openly resist or refuse to obey an established authority, convention, or expectation, often characterized by a bold or audacious stance that challenges the legitimacy or validity of the opposing force.
💡 While "defy" often implies a sense of rebellion, it can also carry connotations of courage and empowerment; misuse may occur when equating it with mere disobedience without acknowledging the context of challenge or resistance.
Example Sentences
Word in Context
On
Monday
morning
Emma
arrived
at
the
office
with
an
unconventional
scarf
,
hoping
to
brighten
the
routine
atmosphere
.
Her
choice
seemed
small
,
yet
it
quietly
defied
the
unspoken
dress
code
that
many
had
accepted
without
question
.
A
few
colleagues
smiled
and
exchanged
approving
glances
,
while
others
hesitated
to
comment
,
unsure
whether
to
follow
her
lead
.
When
the
manager
mentioned
the
upcoming
client
visit
,
Emma
suggested
a
brief
,
informal
break
to
ease
tension
,
an
idea
that
gradually
gained
support
.
By
midday
the
office
felt
lighter
,
as
a
tiny
act
of
individuality
had
shifted
the
mood
and
reminded
everyone
that
protocol
need
not
suppress
simple
human
warmth
.
Common Phrases
defy convention
defy authority
defy expectations
Synonyms
Related Words
Never forget "defy"
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