If you defy someone or something that is trying to make you behave in a particular way, you refuse to obey them and behave in that way. This was the first time that I dared to defy my mother
resist or confront with resistance; "The politician defied public opinion"; "The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear"; "The bridge held"
If you defy someone to do something, you challenge them to do it when you think that they will be unable to do it or too frightened to do it. I defy you to come up with one major accomplishment of the current Prime Minister = dare
If something defies description or understanding, it is so strange, extreme, or surprising that it is almost impossible to understand or explain. It's a devastating and barbaric act that defies all comprehension
To provoke to combat or strife; to call out to combat; to challenge; to dare; to brave; to set at defiance; to treat with contempt; as, to defy an enemy; to defy the power of a magistrate; to defy the arguments of an opponent; to defy public opinion
challenge; "I dare you!" resist or confront with resistance; "The politician defied public opinion"; "The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear"; "The bridge held" elude, especially in a baffling way; "This behavior defies explanation