obey

verb

UK/əʊˈbeɪ/
US/oʊˈbeɪ/

Definitions of obey verb

  1. B2TransitiveIntransitive

    To act in accordance with a request or order from someone in authority, or to behave in accordance with a rule, law, or instruction.

    • The recruits declined to obey the sergeant's commands.

    • Company employees must obey the company's regulations.

    • All citizens are expected to obey the laws of the land.

  2. Transitive

    To behave according to a scientific principle.

    • The movements of the planets obey the laws of physics.

    • The boiling of water obeys the laws of thermodynamics.

    • Electric current flows obeying the laws of electromagnetism.

  3. Transitive

    If your body or part of your body does not obey you, it does not function as it should.

    • After a long hike, her legs refused to obey her any longer.

    • He was so exhausted that his arms wouldn't obey him.

    • He felt weak and even his fingers wouldn't obey him.