defiance

noun

de·​fi·​ance di-ˈfī-ən(t)s 

dē-

1

: the act or an instance of defying : challenge

jailed for defiance of a court order

2

: disposition to resist : willingness to contend or fight

dealing with a child's defiance

see also:

in defiance of

Synonyms of defiance

• rebellion
• willfulness
• rebelliousness
• disrespect
• contrariness
• disobedience

Examples of defiance in a Sentence

any defiance of the authoritarian regime would have dire consequences

the troubled youth seems to have an ingrained defiance to authority of any sort

Recent Examples on the Web

The recent stock market advance has been impressive in its defiance of major concerns, as a bullish consensus takes shape on Wall Street. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

The device’s user manual also warns it should not be used in response to verbal defiance, or for punishment, torture or horseplay. — Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

The device's user manual also warns it should not be used in response to verbal defiance, or for punishment, torture or horseplay. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Instead of crumbling in defeat, Rivera roared back with defiance. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diffiaunce, defyaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French defiance, difiaunce, from defier, desfier "to renounce, challenge, defy entry 1" + -ance, -aunce -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing defiance

• in defiance of

Rhymes for defiance

• science
• appliance
• compliance
• reliance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience

Kids Definition

defiance

noun

de·​fi·​ance di-ˈfī-ən(t)s 

1

: the act or an instance of defying : challenge

2

: a tendency to resist : contempt of opposition