defiance

Etymology

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

noun

1. The feeling, or spirit of being defiant.
   But Sophia's mother was not the woman to brook defiance. After a few moments' vain remonstrance her husband complied. His manner and appearance were suggestive of a satiated sea-lion. 1922, Ben Travers, chapter 6, in A Cuckoo in the Nest
2. Open or bold resistance to or disregard for authority, opposition, or power.
   Ambassador Udina: The other species are scared. They've never faced anything like this before and they don't know what to do. They want us to step foward. They believe in humanity because of you. Ambassador Udina: Your ruthless pursuit of Saren and the geth, your defiance of the Council -- that's what humans are capable of! That's how we can defeat the Reapers! 2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Citadel
   Ainsley: Amid the death and all the destruction: a story of heroism. Steve: Thirteen Ukrainian border guards defending a small island in the Black Sea defy an invading Russian warship. Will: Todd Piro is here now with the details on the defiance that cost them, ultimately, their lives- Todd. Todd: That's right Steve, Ainsley and Will- the ultimate act of defiance- the ultimate price paid. Ukrainian border guards defending a Black Sea island defiantly telling an invading Russian warship to 'go F yourself' when asked to surrender, and then killed when that warship opened fire. February 25, 2022, Todd Piro, 0:03 from the start, in Ukrainian guards tell Russian troops to 'go F yourself' in viral audio, Fox News
3. A challenging attitude or behaviour; challenge.