defiance etymology

Etymology

"Defiance" comes from the Old French word " defiance," which itself is derived from the Latin "diffidare," meaning "to distrust" or "to challenge." The Latin word is composed of "dis-" (meaning "away, apart") and "fidare" (meaning "to trust").

Meaning

Defiance is a noun that refers to the act of openly expressing a lack of respect or submission to authority or an opposing force. It is characterized by bold resistance, disobedience, or contempt.

Origin

The concept of defiance has existed since ancient times, with examples being found in mythology and literature. In Greek mythology, Prometheus defied the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity. In the Bible, Satan defied God by rebelling against his authority.

In medieval Europe, defiance was often associated with chivalry and knights. Knights were expected to show their defiance by defending their honor and challenging their opponents. The idea of defiance also played a role in the development of legal systems, with defendants being given the right to challenge the charges against them.

In modern times, defiance has become an important element of social and political movements. Acts of defiance have been used to challenge authority, oppose oppression, and demand change. Examples of defiance include civil disobedience, protests, and revolutions.

defiance relate terms

  • abide

    Etymology The word abide comes from the Old English word abīdan which is derived fr

  • abode

    Etymology Old English abod or gebod Proto Germanic þōdô Proto Indo European dʰōdʰ

  • affiance

    Etymology Old French afiancier to betroth Vulgar Latin affidentiare to be bound by p

  • affidavit

    Etymology Latin affidavit meaning he she has sworn third person singular perfect

  • auto da fe

    Etymology The term auto da fe is derived from the Portuguese and Spanish phrase auto

  • bide

    Etymology The word bide comes from Old English bidan meaning to wait remain or e

  • confederate

    Etymology The word confederate originates from the Latin word confoederatus which m

  • confidant

    Etymology The word confidant comes from the Old French word confidant which in turn

  • confide

    Etymology The word confide comes from the Latin verb confidere which means to trust

  • confidence

    Etymology Confidence derives from the Latin word confidere meaning to trust fully

  • confident

    Etymology Middle English confident from Late Latin confident from Latin confidere

  • defiance

    Etymology Defiance comes from the Old French word defiance which itself is derived

  • defy

    Etymology The word defy originates from the Old French word desfier meaning to chal

  • diffidence

    Etymology French diffidence from Late Latin diffidentia lack of trust from diffide

  • diffident

    Etymology The word diffident comes from the Latin word diffidere which means to dis

  • faith

    Etymology The word faith comes from the Latin word fides which means trust confid

  • fealty

    Etymology The word fealty derives from the Old French word fealté which itself orig

  • federal

    Etymology The word federal comes from the Latin word foedus which means covenant

  • federate

    Etymology From Latin foederātus allied leagued from foedus treaty covenant

  • federation

    Etymology The word federation comes from the Latin word foederatio which means le

  • fideism

    Etymology Fideism derives from the Latin word fides meaning faith Meaning Fidei

  • fidelity

    Etymology The word fidelity comes from the Latin word fidelitas which means faithfu

  • fiducial

    Etymology The word fiducial originates from the Latin word fiducia which means trus

  • fiduciary

    Etymology Latin fiducia meaning trust confidence Proto Indo European bheudh

  • nullifidian

    Etymology Latin nullificare to make void Nullus none void facere to make

  • perfidy

    Etymology Middle English perfidie from Old French perfidie from Latin perfidia from

  • solifidian

    Etymology The term solifidian comes from the Latin phrase sola fide meaning by fai

  • dishonest

    Etymology The word dishonest originates from the Old French word deshonneste which

  • disallow

    Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words etymon meaning true sense

  • discard

    Etymology Middle English discarde from Old French descarder meaning to discard Ul

  • spend

    Etymology The word spend comes from the Middle English word spenden which in turn co

  • splay

    Etymology English splay Middle English spleyen Old English splecgan Meaning To

  • sport

    Etymology The word sport originates from the following sources Old Provençal des

  • disdain

    Etymology The word disdain comes from the Old French word desdaignier meaning to

  • Spencer

    Etymology Old English spencer Meaning A short sleeveless jacket or waistcoat O

  • confront

    Etymology The word confront comes from the Latin verb confrontari which means to fa

  • spite

    Etymology The word spite comes from the Middle English word spit meaning contempt

  • bravery

    Etymology The word bravery originates from the Old French word braverie which means

  • kriegspiel

    Etymology From German Kriegsspiel war game Krieg war Spiel game Meaning

  • cartel

    Etymology Origin Italian Meaning Bulletin placard Evolution 16th century First u

  • Geronimo

    Etymology Geronimo is a name of Apache origin Meaning One who yawns Origin The nam

  • resistance

    Etymology Middle English resistance Old French résistance Latin resistentia resistere

  • challenge

    Etymology The word challenge derives from the Old French word chalenge which itself