Added 9 October 2026
defy
/dɪˈfaɪ/ verb
Latin root: dis Wiktionary
verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about defy at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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Resist or confront with resistance.
The politician defied public opinion
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Elude, especially in a baffling way.
This behavior defies explanation
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Challenge.
I dare you!
Origin
From Old French desfier, from Vulgar Latin *disfidare (“renounce one's faith”), from Latin dis- (“away”) + fidus (“faithful”). Meaning shifted in the 14th century from "be disloyal" to "challenge". Contrast confide, fidelity, faith.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)