comply

[ kuhm-plahy ]

verb (used without object)

, com·plied, com·ply·ing.

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

   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

Derived Forms

• comˈplier, noun

Other Words From

• uncom·plying adjective

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

The Office for Civil Rights urged Cedars-Sinai to take several steps to ensure it was complying with federal law.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair threatened violence if victims refused to comply, police said.

From Los Angeles Times

Social media and messaging platforms could face significant fines potentially measured in the billions if they do not comply with the OSA.

From BBC

At the same time, the city must comply with a valid warrant issued by a federal or state judge, or any other applicable order.

From Los Angeles Times

The threat of losing it “is so severe that hospitals will probably comply before they run the risk of being terminated from the programs.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acquiesce
• adhere to
• give in
• give up
• obey
• observe
• quit
• satisfy
• submit