defy (
http://definr.com/defy)
v 1: resist or confront with resistance; "The politician defied
public opinion"; "The new material withstands even the
greatest wear and tear"; "The bridge held" [syn:
withstand,
hold,
hold up]
2: elude, esp. in a baffling way; "This behavior defies
explanation" [syn:
resist,
refuse] [ant:
lend oneself]
3: challenge: "I dare you!" [syn:
dare]