Sentence:  to <WSD>defy</WSD> an enemy;   to <WSD>defy</WSD> the power of a magistrate;   to <WSD>defy</WSD> the arguments of an opponent;   to <WSD>defy</WSD> public opinion 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To challenge (someone) or brave (a hazard or opposition).