obey
əʊˈbeɪ
Definition Synonyms Conjugation

Definition of obey - Reverso English Dictionary

Verb

tr./intr.
1.
commandsfollow orders or instructions from someone
  • Soldiers must obey their leader's commands.
comply heed submit
2.
legalact according to rules or laws
  • Citizens are expected to obey the law.
comply follow
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Expressions with obey

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react with fear and submit to authority or pressure
They tremble and obey when the boss enters.

Origin of obey

Latin, obedire (to listen)

Terms with obey included in their meaning

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obey orders
follow instructions given by someone without arguing
disobey
choose not to obey a rule or instruction
instructions
obey the instructions given by the arrow
training behavior
train someone to obey rules or a code of behavior
personal attitude
stubbornly refusing to obey rules or accept control
humorous proverb
expresses dogs obey owners and cats expect to be served
unrulyadj.
discipline issues
hard to manage, unwilling to obey rules or authority
criminal justice
freeing of a person from custody under rules they must obey

Examples of obey in a sentence

  • Drivers must obey traffic signals to ensure safety.
  • Drivers must obey traffic signals.
  • Employees are required to obey company policies.

View all translations of obey

✨Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:obéir, respecter, ...
  2. German:gehorchen, einhalten, ...
  3. Italian:obbedire, rispettare, ...
  4. Spanish:obedecer, cumplir, ...
  5. Portuguese:obedecer, respeitar, ...
  6. Chinese:服从, 遵守, ...
  7. Japanese:従う, 守る, ...
  8. Arabic:أَطَاعَ, ...
  9. Hebrew:לִצְיֵת, לְצַיֵּת, ...
  10. Russian:подчиняться, соблюдать, ...
  11. Ukrainian:виконувати, дотримуватися, ...
  12. Hindi:आज्ञा मानना, माना करना, ...

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