comply

[kuhm-plahy]

verb (used without object)

complied, complying 

1. to act or be in accordance with wishes, requests, demands, requirements, conditions, etc.; agree (sometimes followed bywith ).

   They asked him to leave and he complied.

   She has complied with the requirements.

   Synonyms: conform, yield, acquiesce, assent, consent, obey
   Antonyms: resist, refuse

2. Obsolete.,  to be courteous or conciliatory.

comply

/ kəmˈplaɪ /

verb

1. (usually foll by with) to act in accordance with rules, wishes, etc; be obedient (to)

2. obsolete,  to be obedient or complaisant

Other Word Forms

• uncomplying adjective
• complier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of comply¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Italian complire, from Spanish cumplir ( compliment ) “to fulfill, accomplish,” from Latin complēre, equivalent to com- com- + plēre “to fill”

Word History and Origins

Origin of comply¹

C17: from Italian complire, from Spanish cumplir to complete; see _compliment

Example Sentences

It enshrines the commitment to uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life, and details "the overarching duty on Ministers to comply with the law and to protect the integrity of public life".

From BBC

Oilfield Witness gathered all exemption requests since 2021, which showed the agency repeatedly approving permits that failed to comply with its guidelines.

From Salon

Questions have also been raised as to whether the White House complied with US law in authorising the strike.

From BBC

"The Australian government have not taken any material measures to comply with our international law obligations."

From BBC

While Alberta schools have until October to comply with the order, some schools have already released their lists of banned books.

From BBC

Related Words

• acquiesce 
• adhere to www.thesaurus.com
• give in 
• give up 
• obey 
• observe 
• quit 
• satisfy 
• submit