defy meaning

defy as a verb

1. resist or confront with resistance
   • The politician defied public opinion
   • The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear
   • The bridge held

   Synonyms: withstand, hold, hold up

   Type of: resist

   Kinds: weather

   Related forms: defiant

2. elude, especially in a baffling way
   • This behavior defies explanation

   Synonyms: resist, refuse

   Opposite: lend oneself

   Type of: elude

   Kinds: beggar

3. challenge
   • I dare you!

   Synonyms: dare

   Type of: challenge

   Kinds: brazen

   Related forms: defiance

defy in a sentence

• I defy you to solve the problem.
• We defy our foes, for our passion makes us strong!
• You're foolish to think you can defy me.
• They defied the laws of the king.
• Always strive to defy your enemy's expectations and catch them off guard.

How to pronounce defy

defy is pronounced /dɪˈfaɪ/ in British English and /dɪˈfaɪ/ in American English. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Words that rhyme with defy

• fly
• tie
• apply
• cry
• lie
• high
• supply
• die
• try
• dry
• eye
• deny
• pry
• spy
• sigh
• imply
• reply
• buy
• fry
• guy
• ally
• awry
• by
• hi