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Definition of defiant adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

defiant

adjective
 
/dɪˈfaɪənt/
 
/dɪˈfaɪənt/
Word Family
  • defy verb
  • defiance noun
  • defiant adjective
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  1. openly refusing to obey somebody/something, sometimes in an aggressive way
    • She had suddenly turned into a defiant teenager.
    • The terrorists sent a defiant message to the government.
    Extra Examples
    • He had a slightly defiant air.
    • Sylvia tossed back her dark hair in a gesture that was openly defiant.
    • He was in a defiant mood, unwilling to give way to anyone.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • appear
    • be
    • feel
    adverb
    • openly
    See full entry
    Word Originlate 16th cent.: from French défiant or directly from defiance.
See defiant in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
trait
noun
 
 
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