Definition

A bold or open resistance to authority or control, showing a willingness to challenge or oppose.

Example

Her defiance of the rules surprised everyone at the meeting.

Conversation

Did you see how she stood up to the teacher today?

Yeah, that was such an act of defiance!

I admire her courage to speak out like that.

Me too, it takes a lot of guts to show defiance like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Defiance → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "fiare" (from Latin "fidere", meaning to trust or believe). The word "defiance" originally conveys the idea of turning away from trust or belief, often in the context of resisting authority or opposing force.

Memory Tip

Think of 'turning away' ('de-') from 'trust' ('fidere') — that's why defiance means resisting or opposing something.

Visually Confused Words