Obey

/əˈbeɪ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to follow the commands or guidance of someone.

Children are expected to obey their parents.

to conform to or comply with a law, rule, or request.

Drivers must obey traffic signs and signals.

to carry out or act according to a wish or request.

She decided to obey her teacher's instructions for the project.

to yield to someone or something; to submit to authority.

The soldier vowed to obey his commanding officer without question.

Middle English, from Old French 'obeir', from Latin 'obedire'.

obey the law

to comply with legal regulations or statutes.

obey one's instincts

to follow one's natural tendencies or feelings.

obey orders

to carry out commands as directed.

obedience

the act of following rules or commands.

obedient

willing to obey.

obeying

the act of complying with an order or request.

to follow the rules or expectations without question

If you want to get ahead, you just gotta obey the grind.

to comply with trends or social norms

In this crew, you either obey the vibe or you're out.