Antonyms of verb defy

1 of 3 senses of defy

Sense 2
defy, resist, refuse -- (elude, especially in a baffling way; "This behavior defies explanation")
       Antonym of lend oneself (Sense 1)
      => lend oneself, apply -- (be applicable to; as to an analysis; "This theory lends itself well to our new data")

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb defy

3 senses of defy

Sense 1
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")
       => resist, hold out, withstand, stand firm -- (stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something)

Sense 2
defy, resist, refuse -- (elude, especially in a baffling way; "This behavior defies explanation")
       => elude, escape -- (be incomprehensible to; escape understanding by; "What you are seeing in him eludes me")

Sense 3
defy, dare -- (challenge; "I dare you!")
       => challenge -- (issue a challenge to; "Fischer challenged Spassky to a match")