defiance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defiance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a refusal to obey or conform to something, often in a rebellious or confrontational context. Example: "His actions were a clear defiance of the rules set by the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The spectacle suggested a defiance of logic.

The New Yorker

His defiance of convention was his downfall.

The New York Times

In defiance of orders, Maj.

Britannica

Defiance of what has to be? Defiance of death, then?

The New Yorker

In Defiance of Gravity," recent sculpture.

The New York Times

Unflinching defiance of terrorism is proper.

The New York Times

Its defiance of rules is therefore fake.

The Guardian - Arts

There was even defiance of sorts.

The Guardian - Sport

house on Sq. in defiance of Wash.

The New Yorker

It's a defiance of legal authority.

The New York Times

But here there isn't usually such open defiance of courts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defiance of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being defied. This strengthens the sentence and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "defiance of" when simply describing disagreement. Defiance implies a deliberate act of disobedience or resistance, not just a difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defiance of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It typically modifies a verb or noun, indicating the manner or circumstance in which an action is performed or a state exists. Ludwig provides several examples showcasing this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defiance of" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that effectively conveys resistance or disobedience to a rule, law, or authority. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and academic writing. While alternatives like "disregard for" or "resistance to" exist, "defiance of" specifically emphasizes the intentional and often rebellious nature of the act. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is being defied to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disregard for

Focuses on the act of ignoring or not paying attention to something, emphasizing a lack of consideration.

disobedience to

Highlights the failure to obey a specific order or command.

resistance to

Implies active opposition or struggle against something.

non-compliance with

Emphasizes a failure to meet required standards or regulations.

opposition to

Indicates a state of being against something, often involving active disagreement or protest.

rebellion against

Suggests a more forceful and organized form of resistance, often against established authority.

challenge to

Implies questioning or disputing the validity or authority of something.

infringement of

Focuses on violating or transgressing a law, right, or agreement.

flouting of

Emphasizes a brazen or contemptuous disregard for a rule or convention.

contempt for

Indicates a feeling of disdain or scorn towards something, leading to a disregard for it.

FAQs

How to use "defiance of" in a sentence?

Use "defiance of" to show deliberate disobedience or resistance against a rule, law, or authority. For example, "The protest was a clear "defiance of" the government's new policy".

What can I say instead of "defiance of"?

You can use alternatives like "disregard for", "disobedience to", or "resistance to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in defiance to" instead of "in defiance of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "defiance" is "of". Saying "in defiance to" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "in "defiance of"".

What's the difference between "defiance of" and "denial of"?

"Defiance of" implies active resistance or disobedience, while "denial of" means refusing to acknowledge or accept something. Defiance involves a conscious act of opposition, while denial can be passive.