obey
verb (used with object)
to comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of.
obeyed
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past participleof obey.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof obey.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
obeyverb (used with object)to comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of.
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.
The family say they obeyed soldiers' orders to stop and posed no danger.
From BBC ● Jun. 6, 2026
Driverless cars haven’t always obeyed the rules of the road but, unlike vehicles with humans behind the wheel, they’ve gotten away with it.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2026
Abrahamson said Good should have obeyed the officer’s command to exit from the vehicle.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 9, 2026
Indeed, the characteristic feature of a country ruled by law is the shared understanding that court orders will be obeyed without the necessity of employing force or other modes of coercion.
From Slate ● Feb. 13, 2025
“Dale let me give him orders and he obeyed everything I said. See? He’s waiting for instructions.”
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
