defy
UK[dɪˈfaɪ]US[dɪˈfaɪ]
v
To refuse to obey a person, decision, law, situation, etc.
v
To be impossible or extremely difficult to believe, explain, or describe.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
fy
de
away, from
fy
to make, to do
Etymology
The word "defy" entered English in the 14th century from the Old French "defier," meaning "to challenge, renounce, or repudiate." This Old French term was built from the Latin elements "dis-" (expressing reversal) and "fidere" (to trust). The core logic of the word evolved from the literal idea of "renouncing trust" or "breaking faith" with someone, which was a direct challenge. Over time, the meaning broadened from a formal act of disavowal to encompass any open resistance or act of challenging authority, and further extended to describe things that resist belief or explanation.
Analysis
Structure: de (away, from) + fy (to make, to do)
- de: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "away, from, off, down."
- fy: A verb-forming suffix from Latin '-ficare', meaning "to make, to do."
Examples
He was willing to defy his own party on the issue.
The beauty of the scene defies description.
They continue to defy all attempts to negotiate a settlement.