defiant

Pronunciation: /dɪˈfaɪənt/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective boldly resisting authority or an opposing force

Etymology

Borrowed from French défiant, from the verb défier. Doublet of diffident. By surface analysis, def(i) + -ant.

In classic literature

Synonyms

noncompliant

Semantic network

Similar
insubordinate, recalcitrant, obstreperous
Opposite (antonyms)
compliant

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