Definitions and Examples of disobey, defy, violate
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To refuse to follow a rule, order, or instruction.
Example
The students were punished for disobeying the teacher's instructions.
defy
To openly resist or challenge authority or rules.
Example
The protesters defied the government's ban on public gatherings.
To break or disregard a law, rule, or agreement.
Example
The company was fined for violating environmental regulations.
Key Differences: disobey vs defy vs violate
- 1Disobey implies a refusal to follow a specific rule or instruction.
- 2Defy suggests an open resistance or challenge to authority or rules.
- 3Violate refers to breaking a law, rule, or agreement.
Effective Usage of disobey, defy, violate
- 1Legal Context: Use disobey, defy, and violate in legal contexts to describe non-compliance with laws and regulations.
- 2Parenting: Use these antonyms to teach children about following rules and consequences of disobedience.
- 3Workplace: Use these words to describe employees who do not follow company policies or procedures.
Remember this!
The antonyms of comply are disobey, defy, and violate. These words have different nuances: Disobey implies a refusal to follow a specific rule or instruction, defy suggests an open resistance or challenge to authority or rules, and violate refers to breaking a law, rule, or agreement. Use these words in legal contexts, parenting, and workplace situations.