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

Related Words

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