noun Uncommon

defiance

dih-FEYE-uhns

Defiance (noun) means Open, bold resistance to authority or opposition. Example: “The protesters marched in open defiance of the curfew.”

noun

Open, bold resistance to authority or opposition.

"The protesters marched in open defiance of the curfew."

"Her defiance in the face of criticism impressed her colleagues."

How to use defiance

Learner’s notes

Common pairings

in defiance of act of defiance open defiance

defiances plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The protesters marched in open _____ of the curfew.

From Old French desfiance, from desfier, ultimately built on the same root as "defy."

Origin: Old French

rebelliousness

rebelliousness insubordination

lance dance Nance seance chance nuance trance stance glance balance advance finance

What does “defiance” mean?

The word “defiance” means open, bold resistance to authority or opposition.

How do you pronounce “defiance”?

“Defiance” is pronounced dih-FEYE-uhns (/dɪˈfaɪ(j)əns/ in IPA).

How do you use “defiance” in a sentence?

Here is “defiance” used in a sentence: “The protesters marched in open defiance of the curfew.”

What part of speech is “defiance”?

“Defiance” is a noun.

Where does the word “defiance” come from?

The word “defiance” comes from Old French. From Old French desfiance, from desfier, ultimately built on the same root as "defy.".

Is “defiance” a common word?

“Defiance” is an uncommon word in modern English.

rebelliousness insubordination