adhere

American  

[ad-heer] / ædˈhɪər /

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.

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verb (used with object)

adhered, adhering

1. to cause to adhere; make stick.

   Glue will adhere the tiles to the wallboard.

adhere British  

/ 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

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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

The Army had said it was investigating, adding, “Army aviators must adhere to strict safety standards, professionalism, and established flight regulations.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“Army aviators must adhere to strict safety standards, professionalism, and established flight regulations.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Earlier restorers cut it into six sections, adhered it to acidic backing and sealed it with animal glue.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ares said in a filing that it adheres to the independent Global Industry Classification Standard, while others use different methods.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Employees must adhere to posted signage and communications,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• comply
• heed
• obey
• observe
• stand by