defy

/di'fai/

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Word: Defy

Part of Speech: Verb

Usage Instructions:

• Use "defy" when you want to describe someone who is standing up against authority, rules, or common beliefs.
• It can also be used when something is difficult to explain or understand.

Examples:

1. Challenge: "She decided to defy her parents' wishes and pursue a career in art."
2. Withstand: "The old building defied the strong winds and remained standing."
3. Baffling: "His actions defy explanation; no one understands why he did it."

Advanced Usage:

• "Defy" can be used in more complex sentences to describe situations or behaviors. For example:
  • "The scientist's findings defy the previously held theories in physics."
  • "Despite the risks, the climbers chose to defy the dangerous weather conditions."

Word Variants:

• Defiance (noun): The act of defying. Example: "His defiance of the rules got him into trouble."
• Defiant (adjective): Showing defiance; bold or resistant. Example: "She gave a defiant look when asked to follow the rules."

Different Meanings:

1. To resist authority: "The students defied the school's dress code by wearing casual clothes."
2. To be difficult to explain: "The phenomenon defies all scientific logic."

Synonyms:

• Challenge
• Resist
• Confront
• Oppose
• Contradict

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Defy the odds": To succeed against all expectations. Example: "He defied the odds and finished the race despite his injury."
• "Defy convention": To go against what is normally accepted. Example: "She defied convention by starting her own business at a young age."

Summary:

"Defy" is a powerful verb that captures the spirit of challenge and resistance. It can be applied in various contexts, whether in personal choices, scientific discoveries, or social situations.

Academic

Verb

1. challenge
   • I dare you!
2. elude, especially in a baffling way
   • This behavior defies explanation
3. resist or confront with resistance
   • The politician defied public opinion
   • The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear
   • The bridge held

Synonyms

• dare
• resist
• refuse
• withstand
• hold
• hold up