Or was it just harmless fun that defied interpretation?

He crossed to the door to see if he could make some sense of the shouting outside, but it defied interpretation.

These are collocational ties which in many cases defy literal interpretation, and have to be understood metaphorically.

A strange sound emerges from her throat, defying interpretation.

Her work defies easy interpretation or, in some cases, any interpretation.

Occasionally Duke would cast a glance that defied interpretation.

He prided himself on the fact that he defied description or interpretation.

My mother's last night alive defied strict interpretation.

My vagabond killer was near paralysis, his mind a riot of moments so personal they defied interpretation.

"Indeed, the work is in so many respects unusual that it seems in places to defy interpretation."