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obey
[ oh-bey ]
/ oʊˈbeɪ /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of: to obey one's parents.
to comply with or follow (a command, restriction, wish, instruction, etc.).
(of things) to respond conformably in action to: The car obeyed the slightest touch of the steering wheel.
to submit or conform in action to (some guiding principle, impulse, one's conscience, etc.).
verb (used without object)
to be obedient: to agree to obey.
QUIZ
ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
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Origin of obey
1250–1300; Middle English obeien<Old French obeir<Latin oboedīre, equivalent to ob-ob- + audīre to hear; -oe- for expected -ū- is unclear
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use obey in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for obey
obey
/ (əˈbeɪ) /
verb
to carry out (instructions or orders); comply with (demands)
to behave or act in accordance with (one's feelings, whims, etc)
Derived forms of obey
obeyer, nounWord Origin for obey
C13: from Old French obéir, from Latin oboedīre, from ob- to, towards + audīre to hear
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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