Vocabulary Spotlight
Defied
Part of Speech: Verb (past tense of defy)
Definition: Openly resisted or refused to obey.
“The student defied the school rules by protesting in the hallways.”
Pronunciation
[dih-fahyd]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Opposed
Disobeyed
Challenged
Withstood
Antonyms
Complied
Submitted
Accepted
Yielded
Related Words
Defiant (adjective)
Word Origin
“Defy” originates from Latin “disfidare,” meaning to renounce faith or trust. It entered Middle English as a term for resisting or challenging authority.
Word Family
Noun: Defiance – Open resistance to authority.
Adjective: Defiant – Showing bold resistance or opposition.
Mnemonics
Think of “defied” as “de-fight” — taking a stand to challenge or resist authority.
Industry-specific Usage
Law
Defying legal orders, such as court mandates, can lead to penalties and is considered contempt of court.
Education
Students who defy school rules may face disciplinary action for refusing to follow established policies.
Politics
In political movements, defiance often characterizes resistance to governmental or institutional control.
In Context
Defiance in various settings demonstrates a willingness to stand up against perceived injustices, with “defied” being the past action of resistance.