defiance
C1Neutral to formal, often found in political, social, and journalistic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
Open resistance or bold disobedience to an authority, rule, or convention.
A challenging or confrontational attitude; a refusal to obey, conform, or submit, often implying a display of boldness or courage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Focuses on the act of defying, not the emotional state (which is 'defiant'). Typically used as a non-count noun, but can be used countably with 'an act of defiance'. Often implies a public or noticeable act, not mere passive disagreement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major semantic differences. 'Defiance' is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Same connotations of resistance, boldness, and sometimes recklessness.
Frequency
Similar frequency and usage in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[defiance] of [authority/rules]in [defiance] ofwith [defiance]a [defiance] againstVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In defiance of”
- “A/the last act of defiance”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Less common. Might refer to an employee's or company's refusal to comply with regulations or industry norms.
Academic
Common in political science, sociology, and history to describe social movements, resistance to power, or individual acts of protest.
Everyday
Used to describe children's behaviour, protests, or personal stands against rules or expectations.
Technical
Not a technical term, though used descriptively in legal contexts ('contempt' is more precise).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He defied the court order, prompting a contempt charge.
- They defied the government's ban and held the rally.
American English
- She defied the odds to win the championship.
- They defied the curfew and stayed out all night.
adverb
British English
- He stared back at them defiantly.
- She answered the question defiantly.
American English
- He shook his head defiantly.
- She crossed her arms defiantly.
adjective
British English
- He had a defiant look on his face.
- The defiant protestor refused to move.
American English
- She stood there with a defiant posture.
- His defiant attitude got him into trouble.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child showed defiance by refusing to eat his vegetables.
- Her defiance of the school rules led to detention.
- The protesters raised their fists in a gesture of defiance.
- He acted in open defiance of his manager's instructions.
- Their continued defiance of the ceasefire agreement jeopardised the peace talks.
- The artist's work was an act of aesthetic defiance against traditional norms.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DEFY-ance': the state of DEFY-ing someone or something.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEFIANCE IS A SHIELD (protection against control), DEFIANCE IS A PUBLIC PERFORMANCE (an act for others to see).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not "вызов" in the sense of 'challenge' (like a competition). It is a specific type of challenge involving refusal to obey. Closer to "неповиновение", "открытое сопротивление". Avoid using where 'challenge' (проблема, задача) is meant.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'defiance' as an adjective (correct: 'defiant'). Confusing 'defiance' with 'denial' or 'rejection'. Using with wrong prepositions (e.g., 'defiance to' is less common than 'defiance of').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best illustrates 'defiance'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is context-dependent. It can be negative (reckless insubordination) or positive (courageous resistance to tyranny).
'Of' is the most common and standard preposition (e.g., 'defiance of authority'). 'Against' is sometimes used but is less frequent.
Primarily uncountable, but it can be used countably in phrases like 'an act of defiance' or 'various defiances' (though the latter is rare).
'Defiance' is a broader term for open refusal or resistance, which can be a single act. 'Rebellion' implies a more organised, large-scale attempt to overthrow authority.
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