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obey

o·bey

obey

 
 
pronunciation:
o beI
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word History, Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: obeys, obeying, obeyed
definition 1: to follow or carry out the command, instruction, or wishes of (someone).
The servant had no choice but to obey her mistress.
synonyms:
comply with, mind
antonyms:
command, defy, disobey
similar words:
abide by, acquiesce to, observe, submit to, surrender, yield to
definition 2: to observe or fulfill (rules, requests, or the like).
The people obeyed the king's command.Most of the students obey the rule, but some ignore it.Those who refused to obey the law were punished.
synonyms:
abide by, carry out, fulfill, mind, observe
antonyms:
disobey, ignore, violate
similar words:
comply with, conform to, discharge, execute, keep, perform
definition 3: of a thing, to move or act in accordance with; respond to.
The planets obey the law of gravity.
synonyms:
conform to, observe, respond to
antonyms:
disobey
similar words:
comply with, follow, react to, reflect
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to act in an obedient manner.
She was a shy and unassertive child who always obeyed.
synonyms:
comply, mind
antonyms:
command, disobey, rebel
similar words:
conform, defer, knuckle under, submit
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: obeyable (adj.), obeyingly (adv.), obeyer (n.)
Word History
The word obey comes from an early French word that means "give ear to" or "pay attention to."
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