obey

[ oh-bey ]

verb (used with object)

1. to comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of:

   to obey one's parents.

2. to comply with or follow (a command, restriction, wish, instruction, etc.).
3. (of things) to respond conformably in action to:

   The car obeyed the slightest touch of the steering wheel.

4. to submit or conform in action to (some guiding principle, impulse, one's conscience, etc.).

verb (used without object)

1. to be obedient:

   to agree to obey.

obey

/ əˈbeɪ /

verb

1. to carry out (instructions or orders); comply with (demands)
2. to behave or act in accordance with (one's feelings, whims, etc)

Derived Forms

• oˈbeyer, noun

Other Words From

• o·beya·ble adjective
• o·beyer noun
• o·beying·ly adverb
• uno·beyed adjective
• uno·beying adjective
• well-o·beyed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obey¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English obeien, from Old French obeir, from Latin oboedīre, equivalent to ob- ob- + audīre “to hear”; -oe- for expected -ū- is unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of obey¹

C13: from Old French obéir, from Latin oboedīre, from ob- to, towards + audīre to hear

Example Sentences

As Merrick Garland and his Department of Justice “obey in advance,” America is in crisis and Democratic leadership seems completely absent.

From Salon

Golestani’s matriarch desperately wants the security that comes with obeying the regime.

From Los Angeles Times

His loudmouthed threats and harassment are about trying to get people to "obey in advance," the famous phrase coined by historian Timothy Snyder.

From Salon

His personal turning point came with an order he could not obey.

From BBC

But obeying the man in charge works out better for Glinda.

From Salon

Related Words

• accept
• adhere to
• carry out
• comply
• embrace
• execute
• heed
• live by
• observe
• surrender