Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or practice of obeying: The state or quality of being compliant with commands, laws, or the will of an authority figure.
   • Dutiful or submissive behavior: Conduct characterized by yielding to the instructions or control of another person.
   • A sphere of authority (ecclesiastical): In a religious context, especially within certain Christian orders, a district or community under the jurisdiction of a specific superior.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The dog's obedience to its owner's commands was impressive.
  • Soldiers are trained to act with immediate obedience.
  • The monk was transferred to a different obedience within the order.

Advanced Usage

• In obedience to: As a result of following a command, rule, or instruction.
  • The document was sealed in obedience to the court's order.
• Passive obedience: Unquestioning or unenthusiastic compliance, often without personal agreement.
  • The staff showed only passive obedience to the new, unpopular policy.

Variants and Related Words

• Obedient (adj): Complying or willing to comply with orders or requests.
  • She was an obedient student who always followed the rules.
• Obediently (adv): In a manner that shows obedience.
  • The children lined up obediently.

Synonyms

• Compliance: The action or fact of complying with a wish or command.
• Submission: The action of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person.
• Deference: Humble submission and respect.

Related Phrases

• Blind obedience: Unquestioning obedience without thought or consideration.
  • The cult leader demanded blind obedience from his followers.

Noun

1. behavior intended to please your parents
   • their children were never very strong on obedience
   • he went to law school out of respect for his father's wishes
2. the trait of being willing to obey
3. the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person