abide by

/əˌbaɪd baɪ/

/əˈbaɪd baɪ/

Other forms: abiding by; abided by; abides by

If you abide by something, you obey or comply with a rule. If you don't abide by the rules at school, you might find yourself in the principal's office.

To accept a rule or act according to a recommendation is to abide by them. If a judge makes a ruling, you have to abide by her decision. If your parents set a curfew, you'll get in trouble if you don't abide by it. This phrase comes from the verb abide, which today means "tolerate," although it originally meant "wait," from a root meaning "remain, wait, or dwell."

Definitions of abide by

1. verb

   act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
   “abide by the rules”

   synonyms: comply, follow

   follow, stick to, stick with

   keep to

   adopt, espouse, follow

   choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans

   types:

   accommodate, oblige

   provide a service or favor for someone

   toe the line

   do what is expected

   conform to

   observe

   type of:

   obey

   be obedient to
2. verb

   show respect towards
   synonyms: honor, honour, observe, respect

   types:

   celebrate, lionise, lionize

   assign great social importance to

   tolerate

   recognize and respect (rights and beliefs of others)

   type of:

   accept

   consider or hold as true