B2nounformalsocietypsychology
US/oʊˈbiː.di.əns/
UK/əʊˈbiː.di.əns/
the fact of doing what you are told to do by a person, a rule or a law
In context
The army demands complete obedience from every new recruit.
Many parents want their children to show obedience at school.
The dog was trained to respond with instant obedience.
Words that go with obedience
adjective + noun
- blind obedienceBlind obedience to authority can lead to terrible mistakes.
- total obedienceThe leader expected total obedience from his followers.
verb + noun
- demand obedienceThe king demanded obedience from all his people.
- teach obedienceSome schools still teach obedience rather than independent thinking.
noun + preposition
- obedience toObedience to the law is expected of every citizen.
- in obedience toHe stopped the car in obedience to the officer.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
obedience of the rulesCorrect: obedience to the rules