English verb: defy | |||
1. | defy (stative) resist or confront with resistance | ||
Samples | The politician defied public opinion. The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear. The bridge held. | ||
Synonyms | hold, hold up, withstand | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something. Something ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | hold out, resist, stand firm, withstand | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | brave, brave out, endure, weather | ||
2. | defy (stative) elude, especially in a baffling way | ||
Samples | This behavior defies explanation. | ||
Synonyms | refuse, resist | ||
Pattern of use | Something ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | elude, escape | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | beggar | ||
Antonyms | lend oneself, apply | ||
3. | defy (communication) challenge | ||
Samples | I dare you!. | ||
Examples | They defy him to write the letter | ||
Synonyms | dare | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody. Somebody ----s somebody to INFINITIVE | ||
Broader (hypernym) | challenge | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | brazen | ||