Basic Details
Word: Defy
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To openly resist or refuse to obey something or someone.
Synonyms: Challenge, resist, confront
Antonyms: Obey, comply, submit
Idioms and Phrases
- Defy the odds: To succeed despite difficult circumstances. Example: "He was told he would never walk again, but he managed to defy the odds and ran a marathon."
- Defy gravity: To do something seemingly impossible, often used in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "Her dance moves were so impressive they seemed to defy gravity."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She decided to defy her teachers instructions and express her own ideas in the project.
Example 2: The building was designed to defy traditional architectural styles, standing out in the cityscape.
Example 3: Even when faced with obstacles, the athlete chose to defy expectations and gave his best performance.
Fun Fact
The word "defy" comes from the Latin "defiare," which means to "challenge" or "disobey." It has been used since the 14th century to denote rebellion against authority.
Famous Quote
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves. We are the masters of our fate and the defiers of our limitations." William Ernest Henley
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "defy" mean?
a) To obey something
b) To open resistance or refusal
c) To wait patiently
d) To agree with someone
Answer: b) To open resistance or refusal
2. Which of these is a synonym of "defy"?
a) Comply
b) Challenge
c) Surrender
d) Follow
Answer: b) Challenge
3. Which word is an antonym of "defy"?
a) Resist
b) Submit
c) Defy
d) Confront
Answer: b) Submit
4. Which sentence uses "defy" correctly?
a) She decided to defy her parents by following their rules.
b) He wanted to defy the laws of nature with his new invention.
c) They choose to defy the challenge instead of running away.
d) She could defy the rules easily without thinking about it.
Answer: c) They choose to defy the challenge instead of running away.
5. Which idiom relates to overcoming difficulties, similar to "defy"?
a) Defy gravity
b) Go with the flow
c) At the end of the day
d) Bite the bullet
Answer: a) Defy gravity
