in the face of

preposition3

1. •
   When confronted with.

   • in the face of growing pressure, the company changed its logo
   • Laugh in the face of adversity.
2. •
   Despite; against; contrary to.

   • They declare ringing confirmation for their theories even in the face of feeble data. — 1999
3. •
   (no longer used) On the face of.