obey
[ oh-bey ]
/ oʊˈbeɪ /
verb (used with object)
to comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of: to obey one's parents.
to comply with or follow (a command, restriction, wish, instruction, etc.).
(of things) to respond conformably in action to: The car obeyed the slightest touch of the steering wheel.
to submit or conform in action to (some guiding principle, impulse, one's conscience, etc.).
verb (used without object)
to be obedient: to agree to obey.
Origin of obey
1250–1300; Middle English
obeien < Old French
obeir < Latin
oboedīre, equivalent to
ob-
ob- +
audīre to hear;
-oe- for expected
-ū- is unclear
OTHER WORDS FROM obey
Words nearby obey
Example sentences from the Web for obey
British Dictionary definitions for obey
obey
/ (əˈbeɪ) /
verb
to carry out (instructions or orders); comply with (demands)
to behave or act in accordance with (one's feelings, whims, etc)
Derived forms of obey
obeyer, nounWord Origin for obey
C13: from Old French
obéir, from Latin
oboedīre, from
ob- to, towards +
audīre to hear