adhere
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to stay attached; stick fast; cleave; cling (usually followed byto ).
The mud adhered to his shoes.
-
Physics, Chemistry. (of two or more dissimilar substances) to be united by a molecular force acting in the area of contact.
-
to be devoted in support or allegiance; be attached as a follower or upholder (usually followed byto ).
to adhere to a party.
-
to hold closely or firmly (usually followed byto ).
to adhere to a plan.
-
Obsolete. to be consistent.
verb (used with object)
verb
-
(usually foll by to) to stick or hold fast
-
(foll by to) to be devoted (to a political party, cause, religion, etc); be a follower (of)
-
(foll by to) to follow closely or exactly
adhere to the rules
Related Words
See stick 2.
Other Word Forms
- adherable adjective
- adherence noun
- adherer noun
- preadhere verb (used without object)
Etymology
Origin of adhere
First recorded in 1590–1600; from Medieval Latin adhērēre for Latin adhaerēre ( ad- ad- + haerēre “to stick, cling”), perhaps via Middle French adhérer
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The astronauts must adhere to a sleep routine to ensure they're rested for the mission that will see them slingshot around the Moon and conduct a battery of test maneuvers, equipment checks and scientific observations.
From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026
Some physicians believe that the Wegovy pill’s regimen will limit how much weight people will lose, in part because it may be difficult to adhere to those steps every morning.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026
While civilian sites can lose their protection if they are used for military purposes, in such cases attacks must adhere to principles of international humanitarian law including distinguishing between combatants and civilians.
From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026
“So that’s a discrepancy right there that should be addressed so that companies have a standard to adhere to.”
From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026
Economic and social behaviors, Galbraith continued, “are complex, and to comprehend their character is mentally tiring. Therefore we adhere, as though to a raft, to those ideas which represent our understanding.”
From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
