DEFY - Definition & Meaning for Kids
Meaning 1
Part of speech: Verb
resist or confront with resistance
Example: The politician defied public opinion; The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear; The bridge held
Categories: Resist, Hold out, Withstand, Stand firm
Meaning 2
Part of speech: Verb
elude, especially in a baffling way
Example: This behavior defies explanation
Categories: Elude, Escape
Meaning 3
Part of speech: Verb
challenge
Example: I dare you!
Categories: Challenge
Synonyms
Withstand, Refuse, Hold, Hold up, Dare
Antonyms
lend_oneself
🌱 Word Origin (Etymology)
The word "defy" comes from Latin dis-. It started in Vulgar Latin *disfidare. Then it appeared in Old French desfier.
🔗 Related Words
confide – A related word in the same word family.
fidelity – A related word in the same word family.
faith – A related word in the same word family.
🧩 Fun Fact
Proto-Indo-European speakers probably lived around 4000 BCE, before writing was invented.