defiant
word
Definition
Showing open resistance or bold disobedience, especially towards authority or rules.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used to describe people (especially children, students, activists) who refuse to obey or challenge authority. Slightly negative, but can imply courage. Typical collocations: 'defiant attitude', 'defiant gesture', 'stand/look/act defiant'. Not as strong as 'rebellious', which suggests more ongoing opposition.
Spanish: desafiante - desafiante (persona) - rebeldePortuguese (BR): desafiador - rebeldePortuguese (PT): desafiante - rebeldeChinese (Simplified): 反抗的 - 挑衅的Chinese (Traditional): 反抗的 - 挑釁的Hindi: अडियल - विद्रोहीArabic: مُتَحَدٍّ - عَصِيّBengali: উদ্দণ্ড - স্পর্ধিতRussian: дерзкий - вызывающийJapanese: 反抗的 - 挑戦的Vietnamese: thách thức - ngang ngượcKorean: 도전적인 - 반항적인Turkish: meydan okuyan - karşı gelenUrdu: سرکش - باغیانہIndonesian: menantang - membangkang
Example Sentences
The defiant child refused to apologize.
basic
She gave her teacher a defiant look.
basic
Their defiant behavior worried their parents.
basic
Even after being warned, he remained defiant and stood his ground.
natural
With a defiant smile, she challenged the unfair rule.
natural
The protesters marched in a defiant manner, refusing to back down.
natural