noun
definition
A challenge.
verb
definition
To challenge (someone) or brave (a hazard or opposition).
example
to defy an enemy; to defy the power of a magistrate; to defy the arguments of an opponent; to defy public opinion
definition
To refuse to obey.
example
If you defy your teacher you may end up in detention.
definition
To not conform to or follow a pattern, set of rules or expectations.
definition
To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce.
Examples of defy in a Sentence
I tried to defy them once.
Algebra and geometry were the only studies that continued to defy my efforts to comprehend them.
It was, however, the first attempt ever made to defy the papal bull.
The Danes, the southernmost branch of the Scandinavian family, referred to by Alfred (c. 890) as occupying Jutland, the islands and Scania, were, in 777, strong enough to defy the Frank empire by harbouring its fugitives.
The emotion she displayed seemed to defy duplicity.
Old enough to defy me every chance he had.
Between the two rivers, but somewhat farther inland, stood Sylleum, a strong fortress, which even ventured to defy the arms of Alexander.
Champion of the papacy and in secret league with the Lombard cities he was able to defy the common enemy, Frederick II.
I defy anybody to not get worked up watching this scene.
They intend to openly defy the law in order to get arrested.
The beautiful crystal balls appear to defy the laws of physics, creating the magical illusion that they are floating in mid air.
No effect compares to having an ordinary, everyday object seemingly defy gravity.
So can CBS continue to defy gravity and the remorseless march of new media?
The higher the strangeness index the more the information aspects of the report defy explanation in ordinary physical terms.
By this means it was able to defy both the Seljuks and the Ottomans, and to maintain its independence against the emperors of Nicaea and Constantinople.
They do not keep the Hindu festivals and they defy the contempt of the Brahmans.
Jana hoped to defy a stereotype by having a busy career and also being a great mother to her children.
Risky behaviors such as speeding, drinking, smoking, doing drugs, or engaging in sexual behavior may be related to peer pressure and wanting to conform to the group or may be a way to defy authority.
The bearded varieties are supposed to be hardier; at any rate they defy the ravages of predatory birds more completely than the unarmed varieties, and they are preferable in countries liable to storms of wind, as less likely to have their seeds detached.
The Fly Girls collection is designed for the daring female members of this subculture who defy "cookie-cutter culture".
Contemporary decors can be well accessorized with sleek bands of metal bent to encompass the bottle or the LeArc holders - wooden blades that seem to defy gravity while they balance your wine bottle in a horizontal position.
If this does not bring the attention they want, some firstborns defy authority and misbehave or rebel.
While many punk hair styles defy society's standard of normal, others are considered hip and trendy.
The fact that the proposal is unusual means that it is likely to defy conventions.
However, those examples found that defy a rational explanation can only help to strengthen the case that there is more to the world than is known.
There was exemplary punishment of the printers who dared defy the Soviet government.
Controversial cleric vows to defy mosque ban 18 January 2003 Charity bosses remove Abu Hamza.
Unfortunately our lines are constantly tied up with low-level non-emergency calls, some of which defy belief.
The first-time blinkers worked the oracle for Ocean Pride last time, but can he defy a rise?
There is a disparate bunch of songs on my hard drive that defy classification.
Andy has encountered some very strange events in his household within the last couple of years which defy simple explanation.
Individuals who defy the legislation face on-the-spot fines of £ 50.
He will find it tougher this time tho and it will be a surprise if he can defy the handicapper once more.
I defy anyone (without looking up the words on the internet) to recite the lyrics to Ace of Spades in full.
So are they saying the refs should defy their bosses, basically?
I defy the Italians to grow worse rye than this.
The details defy at present any clear interpretation, but the incorporation of the fragment may be due in general to the emphasis it lays on the faithful witness, martyrdom and resurrection of the saints.
We defy you to waddle out of Yakitoria without a smile on your face.
Empowering your model will allow you to shoot uninhibited images that defy society’s definition of true beauty.
Couples like Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman have defied the odds and are a great example for young Hollywood couples that many hope will also defy the odds and stay together for years to come.
You can give your son a more modern and upbeat look by spiking the front of his hair as if to defy the classic stereotype.
While it isn't recommended as often as Cabot or Sikkens, DEFY Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain still shows up often enough as a recommendation from both consumers and professionals.
Done right, it will defy most weather to always look good and will flatter your features, as well as being easy to care for with minimal product.
Defy your instinct to run and stand your ground.
Children who continually defy your wishes regarding cussing may need further discipline.
Certainly, there have been many high-profile hoaxes that have created some sort of Internet buzz, just as there have been some lower-profile examples that simply defy explanation.
That coupled with Grayson's depth of emotion as he mourns the woman he was going to marry had fans rooting for the couple to defy the odds and reunite.
Occasionally they defy audience patience too, but on the whole this is an enjoyable caper from first-time director Scott Roberts.
Cause a regular pencil to defy gravity by clinging to your fingers!
Extra Chrome contains fourteen tracks of self-penned songs that defy the norms of both neo and traditional rockabilly.