v.tr. (-ies, -ied)
1. resist openly; refuse to obey.
2 (of a thing) present insuperable obstacles to (defies solution).
3 (foll. by to + infin.) challenge (a person) to do or prove something.
4 archaic challenge to combat.
Etymology: ME f. OF defier f. Rmc (as DIS-, L fidus faithful)