Words / C1

di-FEYE-uh-nt/dɪˈfaɪənt/

Defiant means openly refusing to obey, or showing that refusal in manner: a defiant statement, defiant of the rule. Defiance (this batch) is the noun; rebellious is a cousin; obedient sits opposite. Publishing before an embargo is a breach, however bold the tone.

Meaning

Openly refusing to obey, or showing that refusal.

Examples

• “A defiant press note before the embargo lifts is still a breach.”
• “Rebellious is a cousin, often teenage or political. Bold is a style word. Tone is presentation. A timestamp on an embargo is the rule. Wait for midnight; then publish.”

Good to know

Openly refusing to obey. Noun: defiance (this batch). Contrast: obedient. Bold tone ≠ a lifted embargo.

Near in meaning

rebellious

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