obey
UK: əʊˈbeɪ | US: oʊˈbeɪ
vt./vi. to comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, or instructions of someone or something
vt./vi. to submit to authority or guidance
The word "obey" entered English via Old French "obeir," from Latin "obedire," a compound of "ob-" (toward) and "audire" (to hear/listen). The core idea is "to listen toward" or "to heed authority." Over time, the meaning shifted from literal listening to broader compliance with commands, reflecting societal emphasis on hierarchical order. The spelling simplified from "obeir" to "obey" in Middle English.
Soldiers must obey orders without question.
The dog was trained to obey its owner’s commands.
Children should learn to obey their parents.
The machine will obey the programmed instructions.
He refused to obey the unjust law.