HOW TO PRONOUNCE
defy
/dɪˈfaɪ/
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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:03
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What does defy mean?
verb
- To challenge (someone) or brave (a hazard or opposition).
- To refuse to obey.
- To not conform to or follow a pattern, set of rules or expectations.
More meanings (2)
verb
- (obsolete) To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce.
noun
- (obsolete) A challenge.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/dɪˈfaɪ/
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
We might defy the little arts of the little politicians to control or vary the irresistible and unchangeable course of nature.
They were provided with the means of producing such intricate ornamental patterns as to defy the utmost skill of the forger.
More book examples (3)
Let ten thousand devils come against me, and give me but the ten meals I have lost, and I’d defy them all.
What my aunt saw, or did not see, I defy the science of physiognomy to have made out, without her own consent.
I make an exception, among those who pay tribute to my cruel curiosity, of the Rosechafer-grubs, who defy three and four needle-thrusts.