defy
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Old French desfier, from Vulgar Latin *disfidare (“renounce one's faith”), from Latin dis- (“away”) + fidus (“faithful”). Meaning shifted 14c. from "be disloyal" to "challenge."
Pronunciation [edit]
Noun [edit]
defy (plural defies)
- (obsolete) A challenge.
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Dryden to this entry?)
Translations [edit]
challenge — see challenge
Verb [edit]
defy (third-person singular simple present defies, present participle defying, simple past and past participle defied)
- To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce.
- (Can we clean up(+) this sense?) To provoke to combat or strife; to call out to combat; to challenge; to dare; to brave; to set at defiance; to treat with contempt.
- to defy an enemy; to defy the power of a magistrate; to defy the arguments of an opponent; to defy public opinion.
Translations [edit]
To renounce or dissolve all bonds
To provoke to combat or strife
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