adhering

[ ad-heer-ing ]

adjective

1. attaching or staying attached; sticking, or causing something to stick, to something else:

   She worked away with a steel scraper to loosen the adhering carpet where it had been glued to the floor.

2. devoted in allegiance; attached as a follower, supporter, or member:

   Under the OECD Council decision on multinational enterprises, each adhering country must set up a National Contact Point for dispute resolution.

3. holding firmly or closely to something (often used in combination):

   Respond to all employee complaints promptly and in a professional, confidential, policy-adhering manner.

noun

1. the act or fact of sticking, clinging, or holding closely or firmly to something:

   We can't just call for an adhering to due process—we need to actually ensure that due process happens.

2. Chemistry, Physics. (of two or more dissimilar substances) the fact of being united by a molecular force acting in the area of contact:

   The adhering of the molecules of a gas on the surface of a solid is called adsorption.

3. the fact of being devoted or attached to a person or thing as a follower, member, or supporter:

   Under the law, cruising in an enemy ship intending to capture or destroy American ships is an adhering to the enemies of the United States.

Other Words From

• non·ad·her·ing adjective
• un·ad·her·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adhering¹

First recorded in 1545–55; adher(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective senses; adher(e) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun senses

Example Sentences

“Superintendent Carvalho and Los Angeles Unified District leadership are dedicated to not only supporting rigorous programs in our schools but also growing them within each region, while adhering to all legal requirements,” the statement said.

From Los Angeles Times

They include using lowboy trailers that are at a lower risk of tipping over, as well as adhering to the recommendation that batteries should be transported at a 30% charge — which is already a requirement for batteries shipped by air — and reduces the chance of a fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Concerns were raised about him adhering to Covid-19 infection control protocols while working at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Dorset in 2020.

From BBC

Any kind of stone produces dust when cut, so “adhering to proper safety practices is critical, irrespective of the type of material,” said Marissa Bankert, executive director of the International Surface Fabricators Assn., which represents businesses that cut and polish slabs.

From Los Angeles Times

“So many of the individuals that I work with have been directly harmed by normative financial advice that makes them feel bad for not adhering to some unexamined ideal,” said Sloane Ortel, chief investment officer at Ethical Capital.

From Salon

Related Words

• biased
• one-sided
• sectarian
• sympathetic
• unjust