Obey
/əˈbeɪ/
Definitions
To comply with or follow the rules, instructions, or commands of someone or something.
/əˈbeɪ/
To comply with or submit to the command or authority of someone or something.
The children were told to obey their parents.
💡 Simply: Imagine your parents tell you to clean your room, and you do it right away! That means you obey them. It's like listening to a command and doing what you're told.
👶 For kids: To do what someone tells you to do.
More Examples
The dog obeyed the command and sat.
It is important to obey the rules of the game.
How It's Used
"Citizens are expected to obey the law."
"Soldiers must obey their superiors."
Idioms & expressions
Obey the law
To comply with and follow all legal regulations and statutes within a jurisdiction.
"Citizens are expected to obey the law to maintain social order."
Obey orders
To follow the instructions or commands given by an authority figure, especially in a military or hierarchical setting.
"Soldiers must obey orders without question during combat situations."
From Middle English *obeien*, from Old French *obeir* (“to obey”), from Latin *obaudīre* (“to listen to, heed”), from *ob-* (“to towards, against”) + *audīre* (“to hear”).
The word 'obey' has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to listening or paying attention and later evolving to mean complying with commands.
Memory tip
Think of a dog *obey*ing its owner. Following commands.
Word Origin
"to listen to, heed"