–v.t.
1. to set oneself openly against (authority); resist boldly: »
As soon as the boy was earning his own living he defied his father's strict rules. The thief defied the law and was arrested.
SYNONYM(S): brave.2. to be beyond the power of; withstand; resist: »
This strong fort defies capture. Granite defies weathering more than sandstone.
3. to challenge (a person) to do or prove something: »
We defy you to show that our game is not fair. Betty…defied me to deny it (Richard D. Blackmore).
SYNONYM(S): dare.4. Archaic. to challenge to a combat or contest.
–n.
Informal. a challenge to a combat or contest: »
So keyed-up during a race that he must shout a glad defy (New York Times).
Useful english dictionary. 2012.