Origin: Latin suffix -ance
Defiance has 5 different meanings across 2 categories:
intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude
"She stared him down with pure defiance, refusing to apologize for his mistake despite his angry glare."
a hostile challenge
"The prisoner stared down at his guards with defiance, refusing to acknowledge their authority even after being sentenced."
a defiant act
"The prisoner's refusal to remove his hat during roll call was a small but powerful act of defiance against the guards' orders."
The feeling, or spirit of being defiant.
"Her eyes burned with a quiet defiance that silenced his accusations without her saying a word."
A small city in Shelby County, Iowa, United States.
"The residents of Defiance often gather at the county fair to celebrate their local heritage."