# defiance

> English word · Noun · IPA /dɪˈfaɪ(j)əns/ · frequency rank #15,382

## Definitions
1. The feeling, or spirit of being defiant.
2. Open or bold resistance to or disregard for authority, opposition, or power; refusing to give up.
3. A challenging attitude or behaviour; challenge.

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

## Easily confused with
- **define** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/defiance-vs-define)
- **defiant** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/defiance-vs-defiant)
- **defence** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/defence-vs-defiance)

## Common misspellings (12)
`ddefiance`, `defaince`, `deffiance`, `defiacne`, `defiancce`, `defianec`, `defiannce`, `defience`, `definace`, `deifance`, `dfeiance`, `edfiance`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/defiance