adhere
v.v. to stick firmly to a surface or to follow a set of rules exactly. You use it when talking about glue or when people obey laws and policies.
v. to stick fast to a surface or substance; to follow a practice, belief, or rule without deviation. Intransitive — requires a prepositional phrase to function.
The tape will not adhere to a wet surface.
All staff members must adhere to the new safety protocols to prevent accidents in the laboratory.
While the physical glue failed to adhere under extreme heat, the team continued to adhere to their original research plan despite the setback.
From Middle English *adheren (suggested by Middle English adherande (“adhering, adherent”, present participle)), from Latin adhaerēre, adhaesum: ad (“to”) + haerēre (“to stick”). Compare French adhérer.
Intransitive verb — must be followed by the preposition 'to' before the object.
adhere the rulesadhere to the rulesAdhere is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; it always requires the preposition 'to'.