defy

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To refuse to obey a person, rule, or law.

   The workers defied their boss and went on strike.

2. 2
   verb

   To not follow what is normal or expected.

   The little plant seemed to defy nature by growing in the rock.

3. 3
   verb

   To boldly challenge or stand up to a person or danger.

   They defied the storm and sailed out to sea.

From Old French desfier, from Vulgar Latin *disfidare (“renounce one's faith”), from Latin dis- (“away”) + fidus (“faithful”). Meaning shifted in the 14th century from "be disloyal" to "challenge". Contrast confide, fidelity, faith.

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