# defiance

/dɪˈfaɪəns/ (US) · /dɪfˈaɪəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/defiance
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. refusal to obey

noun · CEFR B2

the act of openly refusing to obey a rule or a person in power.

For teachers: the act of open resistance or bold disobedience toward authority, rules, or opposing forces.

- The students wore casual clothes in defiance of the school's strict uniform policy.
- The protesters remained in the square in open defiance of the government's curfew, risking arrest to make their voices heard.

Usage: Commonly used in the prepositional phrase 'in defiance of'.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse this with 'defense'. Remind them that 'defiance' is about attacking or ignoring rules, while 'defense' is about protecting something.

### 2. a bold attitude

noun · CEFR B2

a feeling or way of behaving that shows you are not afraid of someone or something.

For teachers: a challenging or contemptuous attitude toward opposition or danger.

- There was a look of defiance in her eyes as she told the boss she was quitting.
- Despite the overwhelming odds against them, the small team played with a spirit of defiance that earned the respect of the crowd.

Usage: Often used with verbs like 'show', 'express', or 'display'.

## Examples

- Her defiance surprised the strict teacher.
- The students showed defiance by refusing to wear the new school uniforms.
- His quiet defiance of corporate policy eventually forced the board to reconsider their rigid stance on remote work.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.