First Known Use: 1583
Dictionary
defiant
adjective de·fi·ant \-ənt\
: refusing to obey something or someone : full of defiance
Full Definition of DEFIANT
— de·fi·ant·ly adverb
See defiant defined for English-language learners
See defiant defined for kids
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Origin of DEFIANT
Middle French, from Old French, present participle of defier to defy
Related to DEFIANT
- Synonyms
- balky, contrary, contumacious, disobedient, froward, incompliant, insubordinate, intractable, obstreperous, rebel, rebellious, recalcitrant, recusant, refractory, restive, ungovernable, unruly, untoward, wayward, willful (or wilful)
- Antonyms
- amenable, biddable, compliant, conformable, docile, obedient, ruly, submissive, tractable
DEFIANT Defined for Kids
defiant
adjective de·fi·ant \di-ˈfī-ənt\
Definition of DEFIANT for Kids
: showing a willingness to resist <… the boy had not run but stood still and defiant … — William H. Armstrong, Sounder>
— de·fi·ant·ly adverb
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