A Word A Day : Defy





Wednesday, 22nd August 2007 : Today's Word is ...

Defy



( Verb )


Pronunciation : (di-fi')

1. To oppose or resist with boldness and assurance

2. To refuse to submit to or cooperate with

3. To be unaffected by

4. To confront boldly and courageously


Etymology:


Middle English defien, from Old French desfier, from Vulgar Latin disfīdāre : Latin dis-, dis- + Latin fīdus, faithful


Synonyms:


1. Challenge

2. Dare

3. Resist

4. Withstand

5. Face

6. Disobey

7. Frustrate

8. Break

9. Violate


Antonyms:


1. Yield

2. Surrender

3. Obey

4. Give in


Contextual Example:


• She defied her accusers to prove their charges.

• So the plague defied all medicines.

• And I defy you to hurt him when I am by, and I defy you to frighten me.


Related Word:


Defied, Defying, Defies : Verbs




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