The verb defy has 3 senses (first 3 from tagged texts)
1. (9) defy, withstand, hold, hold up -- (resist or confront with resistance; "The politician defied public opinion"; "The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear"; "The bridge held")
2. (2) defy, resist, refuse -- (elude, especially in a baffling way; "This behavior defies explanation")