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defy

Archaic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

To openly resist, challenge, or refuse to submit to authority, fate, danger, or conventions; to dare opposition despite consequences, showing boldness or rebellion.

Detailed Definition
In archaic usage, “defy” implies bold, often reckless opposition—lovers defying families, heroes defying gods. It conveys heroic or tragic hubris, depending on context. Poets use it to mark turning points where characters assert will against overwhelming force. Its strong consonants and clear rhythm energize declarations of autonomy, making it central to themes of rebellion, love, or existential courage.
Example
Example in poetry:
"I defy the storm and fate’s decree!" cries the Byronic hero; In Shakespeare’s King Lear: "I defy augury"; "Defy not the gods, lest they crush thee," warns the chorus; Milton’s Satan: "All is not lost; the unconquerable will... / And courage never to submit or yield"—a form of defiance; "She defied custom to write her verse"; Defy despair, though night surround thee.
Additional Notes
“Defy” in archaic usage often challenges fate, gods, or death itself (e.g., “defy the heavens”); in tragic or rebellious poetry, it expresses heroic or hubristic resistance, blurring the line between courage and arrogance.
Also Known As
challenge resist oppose
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