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defiant

Defiant (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/dɪˈfʌɪənt/

What does defiant mean?

Showing bold resistance or open disobedience to authority or norms.
"The teenager had a defiant attitude towards their parents' rules."

Detailed Meaning of Defiant

It suggests a person who refuses to yield or give in to pressure, even when facing consequences or punishment. A defiant person may openly challenge or confront those in authority, standing up for what they believe in, often in the face of adversity. The word "defiant" can also suggest a level of courage and determination in the face of a perceived threat or challenge, often fueled by a sense of injustice or personal belief.

Example Sentences for Defiant

1. With a defiant spirit, he challenged authority at every turn.
2. She stood tall and defiant, unyielding to societal expectations.
3. Their defiant actions were a symbol of resistance.
4. The crowd's defiant chants echoed through the streets.
5. In the face of adversity, they remained defiant and resilient.
6. His defiant refusal to conform inspired a movement.

Origin and Etymology of Defiant

The adjective 'defiant' has its origins in the Latin word 'defiantem,' which is the present participle of 'defiare.' This Latin term combines 'de,' meaning 'down from' or 'away from,' with 'fiare,' meaning 'to trust' or 'to have faith in.' Originally, 'defiant' had a more positive connotation, suggesting a lack of trust or faith in something or someone. However, over time, this evolved to connote a bold resistance or open disobedience to authority or norms. The etymology of 'defiant' thus reflects the transformation of a word's meaning from a sense of skepticism or distrust to one of confrontational resistance against established rules or authorities, emphasizing the assertive and rebellious nature of the term.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective defiant:

submissive

obedient

compliant

rebellious

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Defiant

1. The defiant artist pushed boundaries and broke conventions.
2. She gave a defiant speech that stirred hearts.
3. Their defiant love story defied all odds and prevailed.
4. The defiant athlete's perseverance was an inspiration.
5. Her defiant determination paved the way for change.
6. The defiant leader rallied supporters behind a common cause.
7. His defiant grin in the face of criticism showed resilience.
8. The defiant manifesto called for a revolution.
9. With defiant courage, they faced the storm head-on.
10. The activists' defiant stance led to social progress.
11. Through defiant lyrics, he challenged the establishment.
12. The crowd's defiant roar was a declaration of unity.
13. Their defiant acts of civil disobedience were powerful.
14. She approached challenges with a defiant determination to overcome.
15. The student was defiant and refused to follow the teacher's instructions.
16. The politician gave a defiant speech, challenging the opposition.
17. The rebel group remained defiant despite the government's attempts to suppress them.
18. The athlete's defiant spirit motivated them to push past their limits.
19. The artist's work had a defiant message that challenged societal norms.
20. The criminal showed a defiant demeanor during their trial.
21. The prisoner refused to cooperate and remained defiant towards the authorities.
22. The employee's defiant behavior resulted in disciplinary action.
23. The activist's actions were seen as defiant towards the established system.
24. The child's defiant behavior was a result of feeling unheard and misunderstood.
25. The soldier remained defiant in the face of danger, carrying out their mission with bravery.