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Definition of obey

obey

/oʊˈbeɪ/
o · bey
Adverb:obediently
•
Adjective:obedient
•
Past Simple:obeyed
•
Past Participle:obeyed
•
Present Participle:obeying
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obey Lexical Profile

obey Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To comply with the command, direction, or request of a person or a law; to submit to the authority of.

Example

"All drivers are expected to obey the posted speed limits in school zones."

2

To behave in accordance with a general principle, natural law, or physical force.

Example

"The motion of the planets continues to obey the fundamental laws of gravity."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for obey

• Nearby Words

obelisk
obese
obesity
obey
obfuscate
obi
obit

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French obeir, from Latin oboedire ('to obey, pay attention to'), a compound of ob- ('toward') and audire ('to hear, listen').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Obey. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/obey
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