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obey

[əˈbeɪ]

obey Definition

comply with the command, direction, or request of (a person or a law); submit to the authority of.

Using obey: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "obey" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Children must learn to obey their parents.

  • Example

    Soldiers are expected to obey their commanding officers.

  • Example

    The law must be obeyed by everyone.

  • Example

    He refused to obey the instructions.

obey Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for obey

  • follow
  • comply with
  • adhere to
  • abide by
  • conform to

Antonyms for obey

Idioms Using obey

  • obey one's conscience

    act according to one's own sense of right and wrong

    Example

    Even if it means losing his job, he will obey his conscience and speak out against injustice.

  • fulfill one's obligations and responsibilities, especially in difficult or dangerous situations

    Example

    As a firefighter, he always obeys the call of duty and puts his life on the line to save others.

  • act according to logical and rational thinking

    Example

    Instead of acting impulsively, he decided to obey the voice of reason and think things through.

Phrases with obey

  • obey the rules

    follow the established guidelines or regulations

    Example

    If you want to play the game, you have to obey the rules.

  • obey orders

    comply with the commands given by someone in authority

    Example

    As a soldier, he was trained to obey orders without question.

  • comply with the legal system and its regulations

    Example

    Everyone is expected to obey the law, regardless of their social status.

Origins of obey

from Old French 'obeir', from Latin 'obedire', from 'ob-' (in the direction of) + 'audire' (hear)

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Summary: obey in Brief

'Obey' [əˈbeɪ] means to comply with the commands, directions, or requests of a person or a law, and to submit to authority. It is often used in the context of rules, orders, and laws, as in 'Children must learn to obey their parents' or 'Everyone is expected to obey the law.' The phrase 'obey one's conscience' refers to acting according to one's own sense of right and wrong, while 'obey the call of duty' means fulfilling one's obligations and responsibilities, especially in difficult or dangerous situations.

How do native speakers use this expression?