Disobey Meaning and Definition

Disobey

Disobey

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪsəbɪ/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A refusal or failure to obey or conform to rules, laws, or authority, often marked by rebellion or noncompliance.

Examples

  • The teenager’s decision to disobey their parents’ curfew rules won’t be forgotten.
  • The worker’s refusal to join the union was a form of disobey without actually saying no.
  • The protesting crowd’s disobey of the city’s curfew was met with force by the authorities.
  • The company’s disobey of the industry’s ethical standards led to a public backlash.
  • The school’s strict rules on uniforms led to a group of students who decided to disobey and wear their own clothes.

Synonyms

  • Rebellion
  • Noncompliance
  • Disregard
  • Defiance

Antonyms

  • Compliance
  • Obedience
  • Conformity
  • Submission

Etymology

The word “disobey” comes from the Old French “desobeir”, meaning “to disobey”, which is derived from the Latin “disobedire”, combining “dis-” (meaning “against”) with “obedire” (meaning “to obey”).

Usage Notes

Disobey can be used as a noun, verb, or adverb, depending on the context. For example, “Her disobey of the rules got her in trouble” (noun), “The protest organizers encouraged the crowd to disobey the curfew” (verb), or “The team’s disobey of the opponent’s tactics caught them off guard” (adverb).

Cultural References

Disobey has been featured in various forms of media, including films like “The Disobedient” and “The Disobeyer”, as well as in music by artists like The Disobeying Youth and The Disobeying Artists.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • Disobey the silence
  • Disobey the system
  • Disobey the norm
  • Disobey the rules

Related Words or Phrases

  • Obey
  • Comply
  • Conform
  • Rebel
  • Defy

Collocations

  • Disobey the law
  • Disobey orders
  • Disobey authority
  • Disobey the rules
  • Disobey tradition

Frequency of Use

Disobey is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, with a frequency of use slightly higher in formal writing and speech.

Common Misspellings

  • Disabe
  • Disobi
  • Disoby

Related Words