Disobedience
/ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiəns/
Definitions
The refusal or failure to obey a rule, law, or order.
/ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiəns/
The act or state of refusing to obey rules, laws, or commands.
The soldier was punished for his act of disobedience.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend says, 'No way!' when the teacher tells you to line up. That 'no' is like disobedience! It's not doing what you're asked.
👶 For kids: When you don't do what you're told to do.
More Examples
Civil disobedience is sometimes used as a form of protest.
Disobedience to school rules often results in detention.
How It's Used
"The defendant was charged with disobedience of a court order."
"Parenting can be a challenge when dealing with childhood disobedience."
"Acts of civil disobedience are often used to protest unjust laws."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
civil disobedience
The refusal to obey certain laws or governmental demands for the purpose of influencing policy or legislation, characterized by peaceful methods of protest.
"Gandhi famously used civil disobedience as a means of protest."
act of disobedience
A single instance of not following rules, orders, or laws.
"His act of disobedience led to his expulsion from school."
From Middle English *disobeisaunce*, from Old French *desobeissance*, from *desobeir* ('to disobey') + *-ance* (suffix indicating a state or action). The root word *obeir* derives from Latin *obaudīre* ('to listen to, obey').
Historically, the term 'disobedience' has been used in religious, legal, and social contexts to describe the violation of commands or laws. It has been a significant concept in discussions of authority, morality, and social order.
Memory tip
Think of a child refusing to do what their parents tell them – that's disobedience!
Word Origin
"to listen to, obey"