noun

obedience

uh-BEE-dee-uhns/əˈbiːdiəns/

The act or habit of following rules or commands.

The trainer rewards the dog's obedience with a small treat.

Woman gives clear palm-down command while dog obediently sits still facing her, reward treat held ready; focus on fulfilled instruction, no writing.

Etymology

obLatinto

+ediLatinhear, listen

+enceLatinstate or quality

The underlying image is “listening to” someone: hearing becomes paying attention, then following a command. Obedience names that compliance, not simply the act of hearing.

In context

Gandalf The Corgi1:34

the down command is also important for puppy obedience it's a submissive behavior that can help calm your puppy down in stressful situations

MASTERING the 5 BASIC AKC Essential Dog OBEDIENCE Commands 🐶

More examples

The captain expects obedience from every member of the crew.
Obedience to safety rules helps prevent accidents.
Her parents value honesty more than unquestioning obedience.

Forms

obey verb — To follow a rule, command, or instruction.

obedient adjective — Willing to follow rules or commands.

Similar words

compliance: Emphasizes meeting a particular request, requirement, or standard.
adherence: Emphasizes consistently following rules, principles, or an agreed plan.
submission: Emphasizes yielding to another person's power or authority.