defy
/dɪˈfaɪ/ verb B2- To challenge (someone) or brave (a hazard or opposition). · to defy an enemy; to defy the power of a magistrate; to defy the arguments of an opponent; to defy public opinion
- To refuse to obey. · If you defy your teacher you may end up in detention.
- To not conform to or follow a pattern, set of rules or expectations.
He/she/it defies · Past defied · Past participle defied · -ing form defying
Verb forms
- Base form
- defy
- He/she/it
- defies
- Past
- defied
- Past participle
- defied
- -ing form
- defying
From the library
Rachel and Marilla sat comfortably in the parlor while Anne got the tea and made hot biscuits that were light and white enough to defy even Mrs.
On his approaching them soon afterwards, though without seeming to have any intention of speaking, Miss Lucas defied her friend to mention such a subject to him, which immediately provoking Elizabeth to do it, she turned to him and said,--
No, no; I feel he may defy us there.
Till I can forget his father, I can never defy or expose _him_.”
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