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 Israeli military has not commented, but it has previously said the evacuations are designed to protect civilians and that its actions comply with international law.

From BBC

But in their raging against “woke” military elites, Hegseth and Trump are not merely concerned with diversity, equality and inclusion: no, liberal treachery, in their view, extends to the laws of war and the demands that U.S. soldiers comply with them.

From Salon

At the time, the 2021 ruling marked the first time a court had ordered a private company to align its workings with the Paris climate agreement, meaning that it was not sufficient for a company simply to comply with the law - it had to comply with global climate policy too.

From BBC

A number of environmental groups around the world are now trying to force companies and governments to comply with the accords through the courts.

From BBC

Human Rights Council in June, COI chair Navi Pillay made clear that Israel has the right to protect its citizens from violence by Palestinian armed groups — but also that it must comply with international law while doing so.

From Salon

Related Words

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