adhere

[ad-heer]

verb (used without object)

adhered, adhering 

1. to stay attached; stick fast; cleave; cling (usually followed byto ).

   The mud adhered to his shoes.

   Antonyms: loosen, part

2. Physics, Chemistry.,  (of two or more dissimilar substances) to be united by a molecular force acting in the area of contact.

3. to be devoted in support or allegiance; be attached as a follower or upholder (usually followed byto ).

   to adhere to a party.

4. to hold closely or firmly (usually followed byto ).

   to adhere to a plan.

5. Obsolete.,  to be consistent.

verb (used with object)

adhered, adhering 

1. to cause to adhere; make stick.

   Glue will adhere the tiles to the wallboard.

adhere

/ ədˈhɪə /

verb

1. (usually foll by to) to stick or hold fast

2. (foll by to) to be devoted (to a political party, cause, religion, etc); be a follower (of)

3. (foll by to) to follow closely or exactly

   adhere to the rules

Other Word Forms

• adherable adjective
• adherer noun
• preadhere verb (used without object)
• adherence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of adhere¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Medieval Latin adhērēre for Latin adhaerēre ( ad- ad- + haerēre “to stick, cling”), perhaps via Middle French adhérer

Word History and Origins

Origin of adhere¹

C16: via Medieval Latin adhērēre from Latin adhaerēre to stick to

Synonym Study

See stick ².

Related Words

• comply 
• heed 
• obey 
• observe 
• stand by