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.
Categories: {adv. phr.}