defiant — boldly resistant or challenging, especially to authority or an opposing force
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: boldly resistant or challenging, especially to authority or an opposing force
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈfaɪənt/
Example Sentences
- Despite being grounded, she remained defiant and snuck out to the party anyway.
- The cat gave me a defiant stare before knocking my coffee mug off the table.
- The protesters remained defiant despite the police warnings.
defiant
ADJECTIVE[/dɪˈfaɪənt/]
boldly resistant or challenging, especially to authority or an opposing force
The young knight stayed defiant before the throne, refusing to bow to the tyrant king.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'defiant', the present participle of 'defier', meaning to challenge or resist. Ultimately derived from Latin 'dis-' (away, apart) and 'fidare' (to trust), so originally meant to distrust or renounce faith in.
Breakdown
de- (away, remove) + fy (from Latin fidare, to trust) + -ant (adjective suffix indicating a state or quality) = defiant (one who distrusts or resists)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Despite being grounded, she remained defiant and snuck out to the party anyway.”
“The cat gave me a defiant stare before knocking my coffee mug off the table.”
“The protesters remained defiant despite the police warnings.”
“His defiant refusal to follow the dress code got him sent to the principal's office.”
📚Related Words
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