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

We work on projects such as getting reusable takeout containers in dining halls, ensuring ongoing campus construction is adhering to green practices, and creating a central physical space where sustainability-minded students can gather.

From Los Angeles Times

And I didn’t want to feel obligated to what Colson Whitehead wrote, because I have that kind of brain where I’ll be like, “Why aren’t we adhering to this part of the book?”

From Los Angeles Times

And finally, few people are adhering to precautionary measures that were far more common years ago, Topol said.

From Los Angeles Times

The official was attempting to ensure Trump and campaign staff participating in a wreath-laying ceremony were adhering to rules, "which clearly prohibit political activities on cemetery grounds".

From BBC

Related Words

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