defiance
UK: dɪˈfaɪəns | US: dɪˈfaɪəns
n. open resistance or bold disobedience to authority or opposition
n. a challenging or daring attitude
defiance = defi<challenge> + ance<noun suffix>
- defi (from Old French defier, meaning "to challenge" or "to distrust," derived from Latin dis- (away) + fidere (to trust))
- ance (a noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality, from Latin -antia)
Etymology Origin:
The word defiance traces back to the Old French defier, which combined the Latin prefix dis- (indicating reversal) and fidere (to trust). Over time, it evolved to signify a bold rejection of trust or authority, embodying resistance. The suffix -ance solidified its meaning as a noun describing the state of such opposition.
The protesters showed defiance by refusing to leave the square.
Her defiance of the rules earned her a detention.
He met their threats with quiet defiance.
The child's defiance made parenting a challenge.
Their defiance against tyranny inspired others to join the movement.