defy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'defy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone acts in a way that goes against what someone else says or expects. For example: "The protester refused to obey the police officer's orders, defying their authority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will the country defy the doomsayers and unlock the €7.2bn in held-up bailout funds it so desperately requires?

The Guardian

No matter: the president says he is ready to defy his fellow Democrats to push through the TPP.

The Guardian - Business

For the parties warned by this poll of defeat, they prepare for a long night ahead in which they will hope for local factors – a popular candidate or a better on-the-ground operation – that will somehow see them home and defy the exit poll.

The Guardian - Opinion

To do otherwise would be to defy the wishes of the British people, to support the loser over the winner.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, technocracy and populism reinforce each other: liberal elites become ever more distrustful of democracy; illiberal people seek to defy them.

The Guardian - Opinion

It places people in difficult positions: they must forfeit their personal convictions and desires in order to appease society or choose to defy the status quo and unrepentantly be themselves at the risk of being misjudged and even mistreated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jansen curbed his attacking instincts and penchant for getting caught out of position to turn in a convincing performance as a left-back while the South-Korean attacking midfielder Son Heung-min scored two excellent goals to defy his critics.

The Guardian - Sport

The scale of the plans certainly defy historical norms.

The Guardian

At least a dozen Labour MPs are expected to defy their own party's three-line whip and vote for a referendum.

The Guardian

When under stress they did not go to pieces… In short, they managed to defy the widespread stereotype of the problematic, difficult adolescent, at least in the eyes and reports of their parents and teachers".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The murder of a helpless infant only a few weeks old in circumstances of brutality which almost defy belief is an appalling crime beyond comprehension".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defy", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being resisted or disobeyed. For example, specify the rule, authority, or expectation being defied.

Common error

Avoid using "defy" when simply describing disagreement or difference of opinion. "Defy" implies a direct and often intentional act of resistance against a specific authority or rule, not merely a differing viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "defy" is as a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes rejecting, refusing to obey, or challenging something, typically a rule, law, or authority. It signifies active opposition rather than passive disregard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "defy" functions as a verb that conveys resistance or disobedience, particularly towards authority or established rules. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in written English. It is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "defy", be sure to clearly indicate what is being resisted, and avoid using it simply to describe a disagreement. Alternatives such as "resist", "challenge", and "disobey" can provide nuanced variations. Overall, "defy" is a versatile and frequently used term for expressing active opposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disobey

Implies a direct refusal to follow orders or rules.

resist

Suggests an active opposition or struggle against something.

challenge

Indicates a questioning or contesting of authority or assumptions.

flout

Emphasizes a brazen or contemptuous disregard for rules or conventions.

disregard

Implies a deliberate ignoring or paying no attention to something.

withstand

Suggests successfully opposing or resisting the effects of something.

oppose

Indicates active resistance or disagreement.

contravene

Implies acting against or violating a law, treaty, or other prescription.

stand up to

Suggests a courageous resistance to someone or something powerful.

fly in the face of

Indicates a direct contradiction or opposition to something.

FAQs

How can I use "defy" in a sentence?

You can use "defy" to describe resisting authority, rules, or expectations. For example, "The protesters chose to "disobey" the curfew" or "His actions "fly in the face of" conventional wisdom."

What are some alternatives to "defy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "resist", "challenge", or "disregard".

Is it correct to say something "defies explanation"?

Yes, you can use "defy" to indicate something is difficult or impossible to explain or understand. For example, "The magician's trick "baffles" all attempts at rational explanation."

What's the difference between "defy" and "ignore"?

"Defy" implies active resistance or disobedience, while "ignore" simply means to pay no attention to something. To "defy" is a direct challenge, while to "ignore" is to evade or disregard.