Main Entry:

obey

Pronunciation:

\ō-ˈbā, ə-\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

obeyed; obey·ing

Etymology:

Middle English obeien, from Anglo-French obeir, from Latin oboedire, from ob- toward + -oedire (akin to audire to hear) — more at ob-, audible

Date:

14th century

transitive verb 1 : to follow the commands or guidance of 2 : to conform to or comply with <obey an order> <falling objects obey the laws of physics> intransitive verb : to behave obediently

— obey·er noun