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 law is clear that service members can disobey illegal orders.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

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."

Read more on BBC

"Earlier today, Colombian president @petrogustavo stood on a NYC street and urged US soldiers to disobey orders and incite violence," the State Department said in a post on X.

Read more on BBC

Last month, in a 62-page ruling, he found the city had “willfully disobeyed” that order — and had improperly reported its encampment reductions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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