noun
1.
the act or an instance of defying
presented a defiance to his rival
Synonyms: cartel, challenge, dare, defi, defy, stump
Related Word: call, muster, summons; command, enjoinder, order
Contrasted words: capitulation, submission, surrender
2.
disposition to resist or unwillingness to brook opposition
exhibited defiance toward his teacher
Synonyms: contempt, contumacy, despite, recalcitrance, stubbornness
Related Word: factiousness, insubordination, insurgency, rebelliousness; headstrongness, intractableness, unruliness; boldness, bravado, brazenness, impudence, insolence; audacity, effrontery, hardihood, temerity; contrariness, perversity
Contrasted words: acquiescence, compliance; amenableness, docility, obedience, tractableness; submissiveness