defy

Meanings

Verb

  • To challenge (someone) or brave (a hazard or opposition).
  • To refuse to obey.
  • To not conform to or follow a pattern, set of rules or expectations.
  • To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce.

Noun

Origin

  • From Old French desfier, from Vulgar Latin *disfidare ("renounce one's faith"), from Latin dis- + fidus. Meaning shifted in the 14th century from "be disloyal" to "challenge". Contrast confide, fidelity, faith.

Modern English dictionary

Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.

Word of the Day

Get a curated memorable word every day.

Challenge yourself

Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.

And much more

Try out Vedaist now.