obey

/oʊˈbeɪ/

/əʊˈbeɪ/

Other forms: obeyed; obeying; obeys

When you obey, you follow someone's rules or instructions. In the old days, all of a monarchy's citizens were expected to obey the commands of their king or queen.

You might be expected to obey the rules your strict parents lay down, or to obey the guidelines of a group or club you belong to. Religious Christians obey God, and soldiers obey the direct orders their commanding officers give them. To obey is to be obedient, and both words come from the Latin obedire, which literally means "listen to," but is used to mean "pay attention to."

Definitions of obey

1. verb

   be obedient to
   antonyms:

   disobey

   refuse to go along with; refuse to follow; be disobedient

   types:

   abide by, comply, follow

   act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes

   take orders

   receive and be expected to follow directions or commands

   heed, listen, mind

   pay close attention to; give heed to

   accommodate, oblige

   provide a service or favor for someone

   toe the line

   do what is expected

   conform to

   observe

   type of:

   adapt, adjust, conform

   adapt or conform oneself to new or different conditions