de·fi·ance  (d ĭ-f īəns)
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n.1. Bold resistance against an opposing force or authority: engaged in acts of defiance against the regime. 2. Contemptuous disrespect for the authority of another: detected a tone of defiance in the letter. 3. Archaic A challenge, as to combat or a duel: "Violent was Mr. Weller's indignation as he was borne along; numerous were the allusions to the personal appearance and demeanour of Mr. Grummer and his companion; and valorous were the defiances to any six of the gentlemen present, in which he vented his dissatisfaction" (Charles Dickens). Idiom: in defiance of In spite of; contrary to: went on strike in defiance of union policy.
[Middle English defiaunce, from Old French desfiance, from desfier, to defy; see DEFY.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2019 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices
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