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desafiar

[dɛ.za.fi.ˈaɾ]
verb
to challenge
1. to invite or provoke someone to compete, fight, or prove oneself
He challenged me to a duel.
Ele me desafiou para um duelo.
2. to defy or resist authority or rules
She defied the rules by speaking out.
Ela desafiou as regras ao falar abertamente.
3. to be difficult or pose a problem for someone
This math problem challenges even the brightest students.
Este problema de matemática desafia até os alunos mais brilhantes.
NYC Slang
to diss, to throw down, to step up to
Synonyms
provocarretardesafiarenfrentardesrespeitarcontrariar
Antonyms
obedeceraceitarsubmeter-serender-se

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
desafiar
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
desafiar
Common in informal speech with emphasis on confrontation
São Paulo
desafiar
Standard usage, may also use 'retar' colloquially
Portugal
desafiar
Standard usage; also means to dare or challenge

Related Idioms & Phrases

desafiar a sorte - to tempt fate
desafiar o destino - to challenge destiny
desafiar a lógica - to defy logic
desafiar os limites - to push the limits
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