WordGarden.ioobedience
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /əʊbˈiːdiəns/
US
- /oʊˈbidiəns/
Meanings
Noun
compliance with commands, rules, or authority
devout submission to God's will or to religious authority
Beyond the definition
Obedience is not just about dogs sitting when you say "sit." It is the act of following a request, rule, or command, whether that comes from a parent, a teacher, a leader, or another source of authority. A child listening to a parent, a soldier following an officer's command, or a person following the law are all common examples. Sometimes it is seen as a good thing because it helps create order and safety. At other times, blind obedience can be dangerous if it makes people follow harmful orders without stopping to think.
Obedience is the act of complying with a command, direction, or request. It is more than just "doing" something; it implies acknowledging an authority figure and choosing (or being forced) to submit to their will. This concept ranges from simple everyday actions—obeying traffic laws or following a recipe—to complex social dynamics, such as respecting parental guidance or adhering to religious doctrines.
The context of obedience is crucial. In military settings, strict obedience is vital for discipline, coordination, and survival. However, history is filled with examples where unquestioning obedience led to disastrous consequences, highlighting the importance of maintaining critical thinking alongside compliance. The famous Milgram experiment explored this phenomenon, demonstrating how far individuals might go in obeying authority figures even when the orders conflict with their own conscience.
Obedience also extends to non-human contexts. A well-trained pet demonstrates obedience through its responsiveness to vocal commands or hand signals. Even at a technical level, we say machines "obey" the instructions and logic programmed into them.
Ultimately, obedience is a fundamental aspect of social structure and individual behavior—a complex interplay between authority, submission, and the potential for both positive and negative outcomes. It is not simply about what you do, but why you do it and to whom you are yielding.
Examples
- 1
Classroom
The teacher expected obedience, but she also listened when students had questions.
- 2
Family expectations
In that family, obedience to parents was considered very important.
- 3
Military training
Soldiers are trained for quick obedience to orders in dangerous situations.
- 4
Legal compliance
The new law demanded obedience from every company, not just large ones.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Blind obedience
Blind obedience can be dangerous when people stop thinking for themselves.
- Phraseblind obedience
obeying without questioning
- 6
Dog training
We took our puppy to obedience classes after he started jumping on guests.
- 7
Court order
In obedience to the court's order, the newspaper removed the article.
- Usagein obedience to
because of an order or rule; formal
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- obedience to authority
- blind obedience
- strict obedience
- demand obedience
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- obediencenoun