in the face of

in the face of  {adv. phr.}

1. When met or in the presence of; threatened by.

He was brave in the face of danger.

She began to cry in the face of failure.

2. Although opposed by; without being stopped by.

Talking continued even in the face of the teacher's command to stop.

Syn.: IN SPITE OF.

Compare: FLY IN THE FACE OF, IN ONE'S FACE.

3. See: FLY IN THE FACE OF.