DEFY

defy. Defy, v.t. to challenge, dare, oubrave, despite

---

De‐fy″ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defied (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Defying.] [[F. défier, OF. deffier, desfier, LL. disfidare to disown faith or fidelity, to dissolve the bond of allegiance, as between the vassal and his lord; hence, to challenge, defy; fr. L. dis- + fides faith. See Faith, and cf. Diffident, Affiance.]] 1. 1. To renounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance, faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, or renounce.
I defy the surety and the bond. Chaucer. For thee I have defied my constant mistress. Beau. & Fl. 2. 2. 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.
I once again Defy thee to the trial of mortal fight. Milton. I defy the enemies of our constitution to show the contrary. Burke.