comply

[ kuhm-plahy ]

verb (used without object)

, com·plied, com·ply·ing.

1. to act or be in accordance with wishes, requests, demands, requirements, conditions, etc.; agree (sometimes followed by with ):

   They asked him to leave and he complied.

   She has complied with the requirements.

   Synonyms: conform, yield, acquiesce, assent, consent, obey

   Antonyms: resist, refuse

2. Obsolete. to be courteous or conciliatory.

comply

/ kəmˈplaɪ /

verb

1. usually foll by with to act in accordance with rules, wishes, etc; be obedient (to)
2. obsolete.
   to be obedient or complaisant

Derived Forms

• comˈplier, noun

Other Words From

• uncom·plying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of comply¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Italian complire, from Spanish cumplir ( compliment ) “to fulfill, accomplish,” from Latin complēre, equivalent to com- com- + plēre “to fill”

Word History and Origins

Origin of comply¹

C17: from Italian complire, from Spanish cumplir to complete; see compliment

Example Sentences

The government has previously offered a financial incentive for them to comply with a cap or freeze.

From BBC

The watchdog is exploring whether the government failed to comply with environmental laws when it previously granted the use of the banned pesticide.

From BBC

Because Danes was only 13 when she started the show, her hours on set would have to be limited to comply with child labor laws.

From Los Angeles Times

It added hoteliers were being are forced to comply with "confusing and disproportionate regulations" that go against other European directives related to data protection and payment systems.

From BBC

Last week, the Times reported that he pleaded guilty late in the legal process and indicated a "lack of willingness to comply".

From BBC

Related Words

• acquiesce
• adhere to
• give in
• give up
• obey
• observe
• quit
• satisfy
• submit