Definition

1. Noun:
   • A defiant act: An action that openly resists authority or refuses to obey.
   • A hostile challenge: A confrontational or aggressive act of opposition.
   • Intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude: A manner or disposition that shows open disrespect or scorn.

Usage

• "Defiance" is an uncountable noun describing the state or quality of being defiant. It refers to a bold resistance to an opposing force or authority.
• It is often used in contexts involving rebellion, protest, or open disobedience.

Examples

• The protesters' defiance of the new law led to their arrest.
• She stared at the teacher with open defiance, refusing to sit down.
• His act of defiance was a solitary strike against the oppressive regime.
• The child's silent defiance was more powerful than any shouted argument.

Advanced Usage

• In defiance of: A common prepositional phrase meaning "in open resistance to; despite."
  • He continued his work in defiance of the court order.
• To set at defiance / To bid defiance to: Archaic or literary phrases meaning "to openly challenge or scorn."
  • The knight bid defiance to his enemies from the castle walls.

Variants and Related Words

• Defiant (adj): Showing defiance.
  • She had a defiant look in her eyes.
• Defy (v): To openly resist or refuse to obey.
  • He dared to defy the dictator's command.

Synonyms

• Resistance: The refusal to accept or comply with something.
• Rebellion: An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler.
• Insubordination: Defiance of authority; refusal to obey orders.
• Contempt: The feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or beneath consideration.

Antonyms

• Obedience: Compliance with an order, request, or law.
• Submission: The action of accepting or yielding to a superior force.
• Acquiescence: The reluctant acceptance of something without protest.

Idioms and Phrases

• An act of defiance: A specific action taken to show resistance.
  • Wearing the banned symbol was her small act of defiance.
• To show/display defiance: To exhibit a defiant attitude.
  • The prisoners showed defiance by singing songs of freedom.

Noun

1. a defiant act
2. a hostile challenge
3. intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude