rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryadhereStick firmly
verb

adhere

ad-HEER/ədˈhɪr/

To remain firmly attached to something.

The label adheres firmly to the clean glass jar.

A woman struggles to peel a blank adhesive sticker from a glass jar: the lifted corner curls taut between her fingers while most of the sticker remains firmly attached to the curved surface.
Etymology
adLatinto, toward
+hereLatinto stick, cling

The pieces mean “stick to,” an image that applies to both surfaces and commitments. Early English use often concerned loyalty to a leader or cause; adhering to a rule similarly means holding firmly to it.

In context

UF / IFAS Extension Pinellas County28:35
one set of leaves that are flat and adhesive they can actually adhere to the trunk of a tree
Botanical Science for Beginners

More examples

  • All competitors must adhere to the same rules.
  • She adhered to her principles despite pressure to compromise.
  • Damp leaves are adhering to the soles of my shoes.

Forms

adhere · adheres · adhered · adhering

adherence noun — Firm attachment or faithful observance of something.

adhesive noun — A substance that makes surfaces stick together.

Similar words

stick
The more everyday word for physical attachment.
follow
Can mean obeying without suggesting firm loyalty or attachment.