Gad
it
Features
Families
Schools
Pricing
Kids
English
Sign in
Kids
EN
defiance
Definitions
1
A
bold
resistance
to
authority
or
an
opposing
force
.
The
protestors
showed
defiance
by
refusing
to
leave
the
square
.
Her
defiance
of
the
rules
got
her
into
trouble
at
school
.
In
a
show
of
defiance
,
he
refused
to
apologize
for
his
actions
.
Image
Kids' explanation
Compose a sentence
Save to Notebook
Quiz
Word games
Word Origin
Language
Old French
Original word
defier
Word parts
de (away) + fier (to trust)
Originally meant
to challenge or renounce trust
Background
The word 'defiance' comes from the Old French 'defier', which means to challenge or renounce trust. It entered the English language in the 14th century, carrying the sense of resisting authority or opposition.