defy vs hold up

defy and hold up both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
defy	No	No	Yes	No
hold up	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, defy and hold up are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of defy include hold, withstand.

defy (verb)	hold up (verb)
challenge	cause to be slowed down or delayed
resist or confront with resistance	be the physical support of; carry the weight of
elude, especially in a baffling way	hold up something as an example; hold up one's achievements for admiration
	rob at gunpoint or by means of some other threat
	continue to live and avoid dying
	resist or withstand wear, criticism, etc.
	resist or confront with resistance