grammar question; meaning of "defy"?

Question

Hello,
What is the meaning of defy in the following sentences?
1. The acrobat defied gravity.
2. China has defied the global economic crisis.
Can you give me a good general definition of what "defy" means in this context and can you give me a few examples of how to use it in a sentence.
Thanks, glen

Answer 1

de·fy

To oppose or resist with boldness and assurance: defied the blockade by sailing straight through it.

To refuse to submit to or cooperate with: defied the court order by leaving the country.

To be unaffected by; resist or withstand: "So the plague defied all medicines". To challenge or dare (someone) to do something: She defied her accusers to prove their charges.



The acrobat was unaffected by gravity.

China oppose/resist the global economic crisis.



What makes it a little hard to understand is when they give you one word and the word has several meanings. Once you have learned the meaning then you should be able to use it in a sentence.

Hoped I helped and Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

1. The acrobat defied gravity. (His balance was so good that he overcame the force of gravity!)

2. China has defied (fought with vehemence) the global economic crisis.



The girl defied her parents' wishes and ran away.

Answer 3

1. To oppose or resist with boldness and assurance/To be unaffected by; resist or withstand (it could really be either)

2.To be unaffected by; resist or withstand.



In general, the meaning of 'defy' is to oppose or go against. It carries several different meanings though due to the context/placement in different sentences.



Examples:

a) To oppose or resist with boldness and assurance: She defied the blockade by sailing straight through it.

b)To refuse to submit to or cooperate with: They defied the court order by leaving the country.

c)To be unaffected by; resist or withstand: "So the plague defied all medicines"

d)To challenge or dare (someone) to do something: She defied her accusers to prove their charges.

Answer 4

Defy means to challenge (either a person to do something impossible or someones power) or to resist.

Sentence would be: I defied my parents authority. They defied him to dive off the bridge.