defiance

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude
  2. noun a hostile challenge
  3. noun a defiant act

Etymology

From Middle English defiaunce, from Old French desfiance, from desfier. By surface analysis, defy + -ance.

In classic literature

Synonyms

rebelliousness

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