defy

To refuse to obey a person, rule, or order.

• She defied her parents.
• They defied the ban and opened the shop.
• Will you defy a direct order?

How to use it: defy someone/something (The workers defied the manager’s orders.)

Similar words: disobey

Opposites: obey

Common phrases: defy orders, defy the law, defy someone

To act bravely against danger, difficulty, or what other people think.

• Her bold clothes defy convention.
• He defied public opinion and supported the plan.
• The climbers defied the dangers of the storm.

How to use it: defy something (The team defied the odds and won.)

Similar words: challenge, brave

Common phrases: defy the odds, defy public opinion, defy convention

A challenge asking someone to face you or prove what they can do.

• The knight issued a defy.
• His rival answered the defy with a laugh.
• A bold defy reached the king that morning.

Similar words: challenge

Common phrases: a bold defy, issue a defy