defy vs challenge

defy is not a noun while challenge is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
defy	No	No	Yes	No
challenge	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, challenge is a hypernym of defy; that is, challenge is a word with a broader meaning than defy:

defy (noun)	challenge (noun)
	a call to engage in a contest or fight
	questioning a statement and demanding an explanation
	a formal objection to the selection of a particular person as a juror
	a demand by a sentry for a password or identification
	a demanding or stimulating situation

defy (verb)	challenge (verb)
challenge	issue a challenge to
resist or confront with resistance	take exception to
elude, especially in a baffling way	raise a formal objection in a court of law
	ask for identification