- defiance⇄defiance, noun.
1. the act of defying; standing up against authority and refusing to recognize or obey it; open resistance to power.
Ex. He shouted defiance at the policeman and was promptly arrested.
2. a challenge to meet in a contest - defiance⇄expr. bid defiance to, to defy.
Ex. See how scornfully they look down upon you, and bid defiance to the elements (Richard J. Sullivan). - defiance⇄expr. in defiance of, without regard for; in spite of.
Ex. in defiance of authority. He goes without a hat all winter in defiance of the cold weather.