flagrant defiance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flagrant defiance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a bold or blatant act of disobedience or resistance against authority or rules. Example: "The protestors displayed flagrant defiance by ignoring the police orders to disperse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

While it would be a distortion to say that the rise of the movies as a parallel and competing art form has been the cause, the signature effects of postmodern fiction -- recursive language games; self-conscious, unreliable and multiple narrative voices; Mobius-strip skeins of allusion and parody, sincerity and irony -- seem almost flagrant in their defiance of cinematic appropriation.

The New York Times

Imagine the shock and outrage these 56 men would feel were they to discover that 238 years later, the government they had risked their lives to create has been transformed into a militaristic police state in which exercising one's freedoms is often viewed as a flagrant act of defiance.

Huffington Post

While the agency has fought hard to limit the Senate's purview of its detainee torture – to the point where its operatives crossed a technical firewall that the Senate considers an act of spying on it – flouting a judge's order would be a flagrant and visible act of defiance.

The Guardian

They determined that Samson's behavior, as described in Judges 13 to 16, met the diagnostic criteria for deceitfulness, a failure to conform to social norms and defiance of the law, impulsivity, irritability and aggressiveness, flagrant disregard for the safety of self and others, and a lack of remorse for his actions.

The New York Times - Health

"This defiance of the House's subpoena power is the most flagrant example yet of the administration's contempt for the American people's right to know the truth about what happened when four Americans died in a fiery terrorist attack".

Huffington Post

No flagrant.

The New York Times - Sports

A flagrant polluter.

The New York Times

"Not a flagrant.

The New York Times - Sports

There were flagrant fouls, yes!

The New Yorker

It was defiance for defiance's sake.

The New Yorker

Even sweeter defiance?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flagrant defiance" to describe actions that are not only disobedient but also openly and conspicuously so. It is effective when emphasizing the boldness of the resistance.

Common error

Avoid using "flagrant defiance" for minor infractions or unintentional mistakes. The term implies a deliberate and conspicuous act of rebellion against authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flagrant defiance" serves as a noun phrase where the adjective "flagrant" modifies the noun "defiance". The phrase describes an act of defiance that is particularly blatant, obvious, or scandalous, which is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flagrant defiance" is a phrase used to describe an act of resistance that is openly and conspicuously disobedient. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is grammatically correct and useful in written English. It is often found in news and media contexts, particularly when reporting on events involving open challenges to authority. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, its use indicates a deliberate choice to emphasize the boldness and visibility of the act of defiance. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the strong language, as it implies a deliberate and conspicuous act of rebellion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blatant disobedience

Focuses on the act of disobeying, emphasizing its obvious and unconcealed nature.

open rebellion

Suggests a more organized and active form of resistance against authority.

brazen insubordination

Highlights the disrespectful and audacious quality of the act.

outright resistance

Emphasizes the direct and complete opposition to a command or rule.

bold opposition

Focuses on the courage and determination displayed in the act of defiance.

overt noncompliance

Stresses the open and unconcealed failure to comply with regulations or orders.

conspicuous disregard

Highlights the noticeable and deliberate inattention to rules or expectations.

shameless recalcitrance

Emphasizes the lack of shame or regret in refusing to obey.

patent violation

Focuses on the clear and undeniable breach of a rule or law.

egregious infringement

Highlights the shocking and outrageous nature of the violation.

FAQs

How can I use "flagrant defiance" in a sentence?

You can use "flagrant defiance" to describe actions that openly and boldly challenge authority. For example, "The protestors showed "blatant disobedience" by ignoring the curfew."

What are some alternatives to "flagrant defiance"?

Alternatives include "blatant disobedience", "open rebellion", or "brazen insubordination", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flagrant defiance" appropriate for formal writing?

"Flagrant defiance" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing serious acts of disobedience or resistance. Its impact is strongest when the situation warrants strong language.

What distinguishes "flagrant defiance" from simple disobedience?

"Flagrant defiance" implies an open, conspicuous, and often provocative form of disobedience. It's not just about breaking a rule, but doing so in a way that challenges the authority behind it.