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.

Example Sentences

Washington, D.C., in July introduced legislation that aimed to require tech companies to adhere to strengthened privacy provisions regarding the collection, sharing, use or sale of consumer health data.

From Los Angeles Times

California voters are heavily Democratic and a high minimum wage generally aligns with left-wing values, but voters on both sides of the aisle didn’t adhere to typical party-line trends when it came to Proposition 32.

From Los Angeles Times

Although they dress like nuns styled by Jean Paul Gaultier and hold titles like Reverend Mother, they adhere to a regimen of martial arts training and learn how to be living lie detectors.

From Salon

But for a ballot to count, it must adhere to several rules, and ballots can be challenged for a variety of reasons.

From Los Angeles Times

“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

Related Words

• comply
• heed
• obey
• observe
• stand by