1. (

• defy ,
• withstand ,
• hold ,
• hold_up ,

) resist or confront with resistance; "The politician defied public opinion"; "The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear"; "The bridge held" ;

2. (

• defy ,
• resist ,
• refuse

) elude, especially in a baffling way; "This behavior defies explanation" ;

3. (

• defy ,
• dare

) challenge; "I dare you!" ;