verb
defy
dih-FY/dɪˈfaɪ/
To resist submission to a power or demand.
The owner chooses to defy a demand to hand over a cherished sketchbook.
Etymology
The pieces suggest turning away from faithfulness: defy originally meant renouncing allegiance. That act of rejecting loyalty developed into challenging people and openly resisting their authority.
In context
you dare defy us I dare not defy him who sent me to minister to the sick
More examples
- The workers defy orders to end the strike.
- He defies his parents by staying out late.
- The sudden disappearance defies explanation.