"expressing defiance" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone taking a strong stance against something or someone. For example: Even in the face of certain defeat, the young athlete continued to press forward, expressing defiance against all odds.
It is the kind of thing that travels well through social media kids posting pictures of themselves doing the quenelle as a way of expressing defiance, often unaware of its implications.
Whether expressing defiance of social authorities or focusing on inner turmoil, heavy rock draws listeners into that chilliness, that refusal of comfort and serenity, as a way of freeing the mind.
It is the kind of thing that travels well through social media — kids posting pictures of themselves doing the quenelle as a way of expressing defiance, often unaware of its implications.
MADRID — Flashing victory signs and expressing defiance, the first seven political prisoners released by President Raúl Castro of Cuba arrived in Madrid on Tuesday and vowed to continue their opposition to the island's Communist leadership.
It expresses defiance and disrespect, not out-and-out hatred.
Indeed, most expressed defiance or simply brushed off the specter of terrorism.
This summer's sham negotiations have caused many Europeans to retreat into nationalism and express defiance towards international institutions.
Audio recordings released by Colonel Qaddafi on Sunday night, which expressed defiance, were of limited use in discerning his circumstances.
In a televised interview afterward, he, too, expressed defiance and optimism that turnout would not be diminished by the violence.
And when Nux wishes to express defiance or euphoria, he sprays his mouth with silver-grey paint, to make his face look even more like a skull.
Hundreds gathered in Trafalgar Square to honour the victims of the massacre and express defiance against the killers who visited terror and grief on Paris.
