Definition

Showing a strong desire to resist authority or control; not willing to obey rules or accept criticism.

Example

The defiant student refused to follow the teacher's instructions.

Conversation

I saw Jake being really defiant in class today.

Oh really? What did he do?

He refused to follow the teacher's instructions.

That sounds just like him; he's always been defiant.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Defiant → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "fiare" (from Latin "fieri", meaning to make or to do). The word describes a person who is making a stand against authority or rules, hence showing resistance or boldness.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'making a stand' ('fiare') against something 'down' or 'away' ('de-') — that's why defiant means resisting authority.

Visually Confused Words