English · Culture & Society
defiance
/dɪˈfaɪ.əns/
[/dɪˈfaɪ.əns/]
bold resistance to authority
Advancednoun
Definition
Defiance is open resistance or bold disobedience to power or expectations. Speakers tell stories of courageous defiance.
Example
Her quiet defiance sparked a movement.
Her quiet defiance sparked a movement.
Etymology
From Old French 'desfiance', meaning a challenge or distrust.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in talks on activism, courage, and social change.