Definition

1. Verb:
   • To act in accordance with a rule, command, request, or wish. It implies obedience or conformity to an external requirement or expectation.

Usage

• The verb "comply" is typically used with the preposition "with" to indicate what is being conformed to.
• It is often used in formal, legal, or official contexts to describe obligatory or expected behavior.
• It can be used in both positive statements (someone complies) and negative statements (someone refuses to comply).

Examples

• Verb:
  • All visitors must comply with the safety regulations.
  • The company failed to comply with the new environmental standards.
  • She reluctantly complied with her doctor's orders to rest.

Advanced Usage

• "to comply with a demand/order": to obey a forceful request or command.
  • The government was forced to comply with the rebels' demands.
• "to comply with a standard/regulation": to meet the requirements of a formal rule or benchmark.
  • The product design complies with international safety standards.

Variants and Related Words

• Compliance (n): The act or state of complying.
  • Strict compliance with the law is required.
• Compliant (adj): Inclined to agree or obey.
  • He was a compliant and obedient child.
• Noncompliance (n): Failure or refusal to comply.
  • The penalty for noncompliance is a heavy fine.

Synonyms

• Obey: To follow the commands or guidance of.
• Conform: To behave according to social standards or rules.
• Abide by: To accept and act according to a rule or decision.
• Follow: To act according to an instruction or rule.
• Adhere to: To stick firmly to a rule or belief.

Antonyms

• Disobey: To refuse or fail to obey.
• Defy: To openly resist or refuse to obey.
• Violate: To break or fail to comply with a rule or agreement.

Phrasal Verbs / Common Constructions

• Comply with: This is the standard and almost exclusive construction for this verb.
  • You are legally obligated to comply with this subpoena.

Related Idioms

• "To be in compliance with": To be in a state of obeying a particular rule or law. (This is a formal phrase, not a casual idiom).
  • Our procedures are in full compliance with industry guidelines.

Verb

1. act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
   • He complied with my instructions
   • You must comply or else!
   • Follow these simple rules
   • abide by the rules