What does "obedience" mean?

1. (following orders) the act of doing what an authority figure, a rule, or a law tells you to do. 2. (religious duty) a formal promise or duty to follow the rules of a religious leader or group.

How do you use "obedience"?

Often used in the context of monastic vows.

obedience

US //oʊˈbidiəns// UK //əʊbˈiːdiəns// obe·di·ence

1 following orders (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of doing what an authority figure, a rule, or a law tells you to do.

the state or quality of being compliant with the commands or guidance of an authority.

Example

The dog was praised for its perfect obedience during the training session.

Example

The military demands absolute obedience from its soldiers to ensure that complex operations are carried out without hesitation or error.
2 religious duty (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Religion

a formal promise or duty to follow the rules of a religious leader or group.

the submission to the authority of a religious superior or the rules of a monastic order.

Example

The monks took a vow of obedience to their abbot.

Example

In many traditional religious orders, the vow of obedience is considered a fundamental pillar of spiritual discipline and communal harmony.

Usage

Often used in the context of monastic vows.
- allegiance
- devotion

Origin

From Middle English obedience, from Anglo-Norman obedience, from Old French obedience (modern French obédience), from Latin oboedientia. Displaced native Old English hīersumnes (compare modern English hearsomeness). Cognate with obeisance.