comply

/kəmˈplaɪ/

/kəmˈplaɪ/

Other forms: complied; complying; complies

Comply is to act according to someone's wishes or rules. Although you might like to stay out with your friends, you'll have to comply with your parents' rules and be home by midnight.

Comply shares a root with the word, complete. In a way, when you comply with a rule or agreement, you are completing it, or completing your part in it. When someone is in compliance with an agreement or a legal ruling, that means that they have done everything they needed to satisfy the ruling. Comply with the rules of grammar or your English teacher will turn your paper red with ink!

Definitions of comply

1. verb

   act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
   “He complied with my instructions”

   “You must comply or else!”

   synonyms: abide by, 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