defy

About 2.02 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. verb 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

2. verb To refuse to obey.

   If you defy your teacher you may end up in detention.

3. verb To not conform to or follow a pattern, set of rules or expectations.
4. verb To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce.
5. noun A challenge.

Similar words

dare resist withstand hold up refuse hold defiant flout brave oppose

Often followed by

the all any you him them his it a their

Word family

defied defies defying