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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
defy \de*fy"\ (d[-e]*f[imac]"), verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p. {Defied} (d[-e]*f[imac]d"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Defying}.] [F. d['e]fier, OF. deffier, desfier, LL. disfidare to disown faith or fidelity, to dissolve the bond of allegiance, as between the vassal and his lord; hence, to challenge, defy; fr. L. dis- + fides faith. See {Faith}, and cf. {Diffident}, {Affiance}.]
1. To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce. [Obs.]
I defy the surety and the bond. --Chaucer.
For thee I have defied my constant mistress. --Beau. & Fl.
2. To provoke to combat or strife; to call out to combat; to challenge; to dare; to brave; to set at defiance; to treat with contempt; as, to defy an enemy; to defy the power of a magistrate; to defy the arguments of an opponent; to defy public opinion.
I once again Defy thee to the trial of mortal fight. --Milton.
I defy the enemies of our constitution to show the contrary. --Burke.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
defied See {defy}
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
defy
verb
1: resist or confront with resistance; "The politician defied public opinion"; "The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear"; "The bridge held" [syn: {withstand}, {hold}, {hold up}]
2: elude, especially in a baffling way; "This behavior defies explanation" [syn: {resist}, {refuse}] [ant: {lend oneself}]
3: challenge; "I dare you!" [syn: {dare}] [also: {defied}]
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Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |