disobedience

noun

dis·​obe·​di·​ence ˌdis-ə-ˈbē-dē-ən(t)s How to pronounce disobedience (audio)
-ō-ˈbē-
: refusal or neglect to obey

Examples of disobedience in a Sentence

The student's disobedience shocked the teacher. The dog was punished for its disobedience.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The disobedience that led to Braun’s removal from that gym might’ve been a trait that needed maturation, but the underlying swagger and cockiness are essential to what his current coach, Michael Malone, wants from him. Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2024 Whistle-blowing, by contrast, is closer to deliberate disobedience on the battlefield. Michael Walzer, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2018 Popular on Variety In another dream, the Old Man Creator sees four mischievous coyotes, the embodiment of disobedience and defiance. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 13 Aug. 2024 The Faustian tale is always a diabolically theological one, an orthodox tale with doubt, risk, and disobedience at its center. James Wood, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disobedience 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disobedience was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near disobedience

Cite this Entry

“Disobedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disobedience. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

disobedience

noun
dis·​obe·​di·​ence ˌdis-ə-ˈbēd-ē-ən(t)s How to pronounce disobedience (audio)
: failure or refusal to obey
disobedient
-ənt
adjective
disobediently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on disobedience

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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