adhere

[ ad-heer ]

verb (used without object)

, ad·hered, ad·her·ing.

1. to stay attached; stick fast; cleave; cling (usually followed by to ):

   The mud adhered to his shoes.

   Antonyms: loosen, part

2. Physics, Chemistry. (of two or more dissimilar substances) to be united by a molecular force acting in the area of contact.
3. to be devoted in support or allegiance; be attached as a follower or upholder (usually followed by to ):

   to adhere to a party.

4. to hold closely or firmly (usually followed by to ):

   to adhere to a plan.

5. Obsolete. to be consistent.

verb (used with object)

, ad·hered, ad·her·ing.

1. to cause to adhere; make stick:

   Glue will adhere the tiles to the wallboard.

adhere

/ ədˈhɪə /

verb

1. usually foll by to to stick or hold fast
2. foll by to to be devoted (to a political party, cause, religion, etc); be a follower (of)
3. foll by to to follow closely or exactly

   adhere to the rules

Usage

See adhesion

Derived Forms

• adˈherence, noun

Other Words From

• ad·her·a·ble adjective
• ad·her·er noun
• pre·ad·here verb (used without object) preadhered preadhering

Word History and Origins

Origin of adhere¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Medieval Latin adhērēre for Latin adhaerēre ( ad- ad- + haerēre “to stick, cling”), perhaps via Middle French adhérer

Word History and Origins

Origin of adhere¹

C16: via Medieval Latin adhērēre from Latin adhaerēre to stick to

Synonym Study

See stick ².

Related Words

• comply
• heed
• obey
• observe
• stand by