Obeying
oʊˈbeɪ.ɪŋ
Definitions
To follow and comply with a command, law, or instruction.
oʊˈbeɪ.ɪŋ
To comply with and follow a command, rule, or law.
The dog is always obeying its owner.
💡 Simply: Imagine your parents tell you to clean your room, and you DO it. That's obeying! It's like following the rules.
👶 For kids: When you do what someone tells you to do, like when your mom says, "Clean up your toys!" and you do it.
More Examples
She is obeying her parents' instructions.
The children were taught to obey the teachers.
How It's Used
"Citizens are expected to obey the laws of the land."
"Soldiers must obey their commanding officers."
"Students are taught to obey school rules."
Idioms & expressions
Obey the rules
To follow the established regulations.
"The team was told to obey the rules to avoid penalties."
From Middle English *obeien*, from Old French *obeir* (“to obey”), from Latin *oboedire* (“to obey”), from *ob-* (“towards”) + *audire* (“to hear”).
The word 'obey' has been used for centuries, often in religious and legal contexts, emphasizing the importance of submission and adherence to authority.
Memory tip
Think of a person saying "Okay, bay!" meaning that the person would obey