obey
verb (used with object)
to comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of.
have obeyed
-
present perfectof obey.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Abrahamson said Good should have obeyed the officer’s command to exit from the vehicle.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 9, 2026
And the hearings have obeyed a cardinal rule of moviemaking: Keep the villain off-screen as long as you can.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 12, 2022
Most people have obeyed despite grumbling about shortages of food, medicine and access to elderly relatives who need help.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 14, 2022
I may sometimes when I was riding a bicycle may not have obeyed the law about cycling on the pavement, Johnson says.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 8, 2019
If only she could have obeyed her impulse this morning and told her uncle the whole story.
From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare
