B2verblawsociety
US/oʊˈbeɪ/
UK/əʊˈbeɪ/
to do what a person, rule or law tells you to do
In context
Children in many cultures are taught to obey their parents without question.
Drivers who do not obey traffic laws may lose their license.
The soldiers refused to obey the order to fire.
Words that go with obey
verb + noun
- obey the lawEveryone must obey the law.
- obey ordersSoldiers are trained to obey orders.
- obey the rulesPlayers must obey the rules.
- obey instructionsPlease obey the safety instructions.
- obey a commandThe dog obeyed every command.
adverb + verb
- blindly obeyHe blindly obeyed his boss.
- strictly obeyPilots must strictly obey the checklist.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
obey to the rulesCorrect: obey the rules