to defy / withstand
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to defy
To stubbornly, and often defiantly, resist an instruction, a person, or a situation. It is often used for children's behavior.
Das kleine Kind trotzte und wollte seine Jacke nicht anziehen.
The little child was defiant and did not want to put on his jacket.
to withstand
To withstand an adverse condition, a danger, or a strong force and not give in. Often used with a dative object.
Die alte Burg trotzt seit Jahrhunderten dem Wind und dem Wetter.
The old castle has withstood wind and weather for centuries.
The verb 'trotzen' (to defy / withstand) belongs to the word family of 'der Trotz' (defiance, the attitude of resistance) and the adjective 'trotzig' (defiant). When a child 'trotzt' (is defiant), it shows 'Trotz' (defiance) or is 'trotzig' (defiant).
Aus reinem Trotz wollte er nicht mit uns sprechen.
Out of pure defiance, he did not want to speak with us.
In the meaning of 'standhalten' (to withstand), 'trotzen' requires an object in the dative. This dative object is the force or condition being resisted.
Das kleine Boot trotzte den hohen Wellen.
The small boat withstood the high waves.
You can recognize the meaning from the subject and object. If it is about the behavior of people (often children) against an instruction, the first meaning is intended. If an object or person resists an external force (weather, danger), the second meaning is intended.
Der Junge trotzte seiner Mutter und aß das Gemüse nicht.
The boy defied his mother and did not eat the vegetables.
to resist
When faced with a strong force, widerstehen and trotzen can both mean not giving in. Widerstehen generally describes successfully defending oneself against pressure, an attack, or a temptation. When used with an adversity, trotzen sounds more active and defiant; it emphasizes consciously refusing to submit to it.
Lea trotzt dem heftigen Schneesturm und setzt ihren Weg fort.
Lea defies the fierce snowstorm and continues on her way.
Lea widersteht dem Druck ihrer Freunde und bleibt bei ihrer Entscheidung.
Lea resists pressure from her friends and sticks to her decision.
