Word
defying
Phoneticsde·fy·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈfaɪɪŋ/
UK/dɪfˈaɪɪŋ/
Definition
v. to refuse to obey a person, a rule, or a law. It can also mean doing something that seems impossible, like a person who survives a very dangerous accident.
v. to openly resist or refuse to obey; to challenge the power or authority of someone or something. Often describes actions that appear to transcend physical laws or conventional expectations.
Examples
“The young athlete is defying the odds by winning every race.”
“By refusing to pay the illegal fine, the small business owner is openly defying the local council.”
“The ancient cathedral remains standing today, defying the passage of time and the numerous conflicts that have leveled the surrounding city over the centuries.”
Examples
simple
“The young athlete is defying the odds by winning every race.”
contextual
“By refusing to pay the illegal fine, the small business owner is openly defying the local council.”
complex
“The ancient cathedral remains standing today, defying the passage of time and the numerous conflicts that have leveled the surrounding city over the centuries.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; it is the present participle of 'defy'.
Pitfall
defying to the rules
defying the rules
Defy is a transitive verb and should not be followed by the preposition 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“Times journalists examined classrooms where students, teachers and parents continue to resist by defying the rules.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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