# disobey

/ˌdɪsəˈbeɪ/ (US) · /dˌɪsəʊbˈeɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disobey
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to refuse to follow a rule, a law, or an order from someone in authority.

For teachers: to fail to comply with a command, law, or regulation. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the authority or instruction being ignored.

## Examples

- The student was punished for disobeying the teacher.
- The protesters were arrested for disobeying the curfew imposed by the local government.
- By choosing to disobey the court's final order, the corporation faced significant financial penalties and a loss of public trust.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.