verb

obey

uh-BAY/əˈbeɪ/

To do what a person or rule tells you to do.

The worker obeys the supervisor's instruction by putting on safety goggles.

Worker puts safety goggles over eyes immediately after supervisor points toward goggles; both in simple workshop with one bench edge, actual complying action clear.

Etymology

The pieces literally mean “listen to.” Listening developed into paying attention to someone's authority, then carrying out what that person or a command requires.

In context

Cornerstone Orlando29:07

Christians are commanded by God to obey the great commission, to make disciples, to preach the gospel.

Give God The Glory (John 9:13-34)

More examples

Please obey the lifeguard and stay near the shore.
The dog obeys her command to sit.
We obeyed the rules even when no one was watching.

Forms

obey · obeys · obeyed · obeying

obedience noun — The act of following commands or rules.

obedient adjective — Willing to follow commands or rules.

Similar words

follow: Often emphasizes acting according to instructions rather than authority.
comply: Usually takes 'with' and emphasizes meeting rules or requirements.