defy

noun

(obsolete) A challenge.

verb

(transitive) To refuse to obey.

(transitive) To challenge (someone) or brave (a hazard or opposition).

To not conform to or follow a pattern, set of rules or expectations.

(transitive, obsolete) To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce.

Roots

fides-fy · Latin · faith, trust

Synonyms for defy

resistv withstandv darev disobeyv floutv rebuffn contravenev challengen outdare confrontv transgressv ignorev

Synonyms & related words for defy

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of defy — including resist, withstand, dare, disobey, flout, rebuff. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to defy

Explore words related to defy — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include refuse, outbrave, recalcitrate, defiance, gainsay, oppose, contradict, reject. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for defy

Common synonyms for defy include resist, withstand, dare, disobey, flout, rebuff, contravene, challenge — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does defy come from?

The word defy breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root -fy, from Latin fides (“faith, trust”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.