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

In the same year, whaling was suspended in Iceland for two months after a government-commissioned inquiry concluded the methods used did not comply with animal welfare laws.

From BBC

McAfee, CEO of Fresno-based Raw Farm, LLC, told The Times that he has complied with the request and applied for the position of “FDA advisor on raw milk policy and standards development.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

Benn indicated the commission would continue operating and that legislation would be brought forward by him in response to recent court judgements to ensure it complied with human rights law.

From BBC

The beauty of “Wicked” the movie is that it ends on the story’s highest note, with Elphaba choosing to resist and fly free instead of complying with a corrupt government.

From Salon

Related Words

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