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- 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| related words: |
fulfill, heed, respect |
| derivations: |
obeyable (adj.), obeyingly (adv.), obeyer (n.) |
The word obey comes from an early French word that means "give ear to" or "pay attention to."
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