Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Boldly resisting authority or an opposing force: Showing open resistance or disobedience; refusing to obey or accept control.
   • Characterized by a challenging or rebellious attitude: Expressing a willingness to fight or argue against something.

Usage

The adjective "defiant" describes a person, behavior, or attitude that openly and boldly resists authority, rules, or pressure. It implies a conscious choice to stand against something. - It is often used to describe a person's stance or expression. - It can describe actions, words, or a general demeanor.

Examples

• Describing a person or attitude:
  • The defiant student refused to follow the new classroom rules.
  • She stood with a defiant look on her face, daring anyone to challenge her.
• Describing behavior or actions:
  • His defiant act of protest landed him in trouble.
  • The crowd's defiant cheers continued despite the warnings.

Advanced Usage

• "In defiant": This phrase is not standard. The correct preposition is usually "in defiance of," which is a related noun phrase.
  • He acted in defiance of the direct order. (Not: in defiant of)
• "Defiant of": While less common, it can be used to mean "in defiance of."
  • His actions were defiant of all convention. (This usage is more literary.)

Variants and Related Words

• Defiance (noun): The act or an instance of defying; open resistance.
  • Her defiance of the court order resulted in a fine.
• Defiantly (adverb): In a manner that shows defiance.
  • He stared defiantly at the judge.

Synonyms

• Insubordinate: Not submissive to authority.
• Rebellious: Resisting authority or control.
• Recalcitrant: Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude.
• Contumacious: Stubbornly or willfully disobedient to authority (formal).

Antonyms

• Obedient: Complying with commands or authority.
• Submissive: Ready to conform to authority or will of others.
• Compliant: Disposed to agree with others or obey rules.

Idioms and Phrases

• A defiant stand/stance: A clear, bold position of resistance.
  • The activists took a defiant stand against the new law.
• To be in open defiance: To resist or disobey publicly and clearly.
  • The union was in open defiance of the management's demands.

Adjective

1. boldly resisting authority or an opposing force
   • brought up to be aggressive and defiant
   • a defiant attitude