defiantly
adv.to do something in a way that shows you refuse to obey someone or something. You act this way when you are challenged and want to show you are not afraid.
adv.in a manner that demonstrates open resistance or bold disobedience. Typically modifies verbs of action or speech to indicate a refusal to submit to authority.
“The child stood defiantly and refused to move.”
“Despite the threat of a fine, the shopkeeper defiantly kept his doors open during the holiday.”
“The small group of protesters remained defiantly in the square long after the curfew had passed, chanting slogans against the new legislation.”
Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.
From defiant + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.