disobey
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˌdɪsəˈbeɪ/
KK: /dɪsəˈbeɪ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To refuse to follow a command or rule given by someone in authority.
Example
The child decided to disobey his parents and stay out late.
Tense Forms
Past: disobeyed
Past Participle: disobeyed
Conversation
I can't believe he decided to disobey the teacher's instructions.
Yeah, that was pretty reckless of him.
I just don't understand why anyone would disobey a simple rule.
Maybe he thought it would make him look cool or something.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
defy
ignore
rebel
Antonyms
obey
follow
submit
transitive verb
Definition
To refuse to follow an order or rule given by someone in authority.
Example
The child chose to disobey his parents' instructions.
Tense Forms
Past: disobeyed
Past Participle: disobeyed
Conversation
Did you hear about Mike? He decided to disobey the school's rules again.
Oh no, what did he do this time?
He skipped class and went to the park instead.
Root Explanation
Disobey → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "obedire" (meaning to obey). The word describes the act of not following or separating oneself from obedience.
Memory Tip
Think of 'dis-' meaning apart and 'obedire' meaning to obey — so disobey means to not follow the rules.
Visually Confused Words
misobey
disrobe
diobely
disrober