to follow commands or instructions; to do what someone with authority tells you to do.
From Old French 'obeir' derived from Latin 'obedire,' combining 'ob-' (toward) and 'audire' (to hear). The original meaning was to listen to someone, which evolved into following their commands.
Interestingly, the Latin root for 'obey' literally means 'to listen to'—showing that ancient Romans understood that true obedience starts with actually hearing and understanding what someone asks, not just mindless compliance.
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