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Intermediate Dictionary
       

o·bey

obey

 
 
pronunciation:
o beI
features:
Word History, Word Explorer
part of speech: verb
inflections: obeys, obeying, obeyed
definition 1: to follow or carry out the command, instruction, or wishes of.
She obeyed her mother and cleaned her room.
synonyms:
comply with, mind
antonyms:
command, defy, disobey
similar words:
abide by, observe, submit to, surrender, yield to
definition 2: to observe or carry out as instructed.
The first-grade students tried hard to obey the teacher's rules.
synonyms:
abide by, carry out, fulfill, mind, observe
antonyms:
disobey, ignore, violate
similar words:
comply with, conform to, discharge, execute, keep, perform
definition 3: to move or act in agreement with; respond to.
Falling objects obey the law of gravity.
synonyms:
conform to, observe, respond to
antonyms:
disobey
similar words:
comply with, follow, react to, reflect
derivations: obeyable (adj.), obeyingly (adv.), obeyer (n.)
Word History
The word obey comes from an early French word that means "give ear to" or "pay attention to."
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