disobey

[dis-uh-bey]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to neglect or refuse to obey.

   Synonyms: oppose, ignore, resist, disregard, defy

disobey

/ ˌdɪsəˈbeɪ /

verb

1. to neglect or refuse to obey (someone, an order, etc)

Other Word Forms

• disobeyer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disobey¹

1350–1400; Middle English disobeien < Old French desobeir, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + obeir to obey

Example Sentences

The duty to disobey manifestly illegal orders is a cornerstone of international law, with foundations in Nazi atrocities-related post-World War II trials like Nuremberg.

Read more on Salon

Miss Mortimer spoke in that stern headmistress tone that no Swanburne girl had ever found the will to disobey.

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He’d already disobeyed his mother by leaving the apartment while she was at work.

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He demands total obedience and promises punishment if we disobey.

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Defend Our Juries who organised the protest said: "Whilst the Labour party congregate at their annual conference, protestors are outside disobeying the unjust ban on Palestine Action."

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Related Words

• contravene 
• defy 
• evade 
• flout 
• ignore 
• infringe 
• misbehave 
• overstep 
• transgress 
• violate