obey

verb
UK: /əˈbeɪ/
US: /oʊˈbeɪ/

  1. To do what you are told to do.

    1. You must obey your parents.
    2. Children should obey the rules set by their schools for a safe environment.

  2. To carry out a command or instruction.

    1. The dog will obey my commands.
    2. Drivers must obey all traffic laws to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

  3. To act in accordance with a rule, law, or request.

    1. You have to obey the law.
    2. Citizens are expected to obey the environmental regulations implemented by the government.

Synonyms

heed follow observe mind submit yield
obey intransitive-verb

  1. To be controlled or determined by something.

    1. The machine obeys simple instructions.
    2. The spacecraft will obey the laws of physics during its trajectory through space.
obey transitive-verb

  1. To submit to the authority of someone.

    1. I obey my boss's orders.
    2. Soldiers are trained to obey the commands of their superior officers without hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "obey" in English means: To do what you are told to do., To carry out a command or instruction., To act in accordance with a rule, law, or request..

The phonetic transcription of "obey" is /əˈbeɪ/ in British English and /oʊˈbeɪ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "obey": heed, follow, observe, mind, submit, yield.

Example usage of "obey": "You must obey your parents.". More examples on the page.