comply

[kuhm-plahy]

verb (used without object)

complied, complying 

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

   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

Other Word Forms

• complier noun
• uncomplying 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

Many wore sundresses, cowboy boots, leopard print and, to comply with tight security, plastic see-through purses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Crow, however, emphasized that in moments like these, the government relies on fear to ensure that the population complies with their edicts.

Read more on Salon

Temu said it had launched an investigation to ensure it complies with safety requirements in New Zealand.

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Some questioned whether these products would comply with current SEC regulations or run afoul of the regulator’s restrictions.

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All China needed to do was close border gates and detain a few of their leaders to get them to comply with its demands.

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Related Words

• acquiesce 
• adhere to www.thesaurus.com
• give in 
• give up 
• obey 
• observe 
• quit 
• satisfy 
• submit