adhere Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb be compatible or in accordance with
    • You must adhere to the rules
  2. verb follow through or carry out a plan without deviation
    • They adhered to their plan
  3. verb come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
    cohere; cleave; stick; cling.
    • The dress clings to her body
    • The label stuck to the box
    • The sushi rice grains cohere
  4. verb be a devoted follower or supporter
    stick.
    • The residents of this village adhered to Catholicism
    • She sticks to her principles
  5. verb be loyal to
    stick by; stand by; stick.
    • She stood by her husband in times of trouble
    • The friends stuck together through the war
  6. verb stick to firmly
    bind; stick to; hold fast; stick; bond.
    • Will this wallpaper adhere to the wall?

WordNet

Ad*here" intransitive verb
Etymology
L. adhaerere, adhaesum; ad + haerere to stick: cf. F. adhérer. See Aghast.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Adhered present participle & verbal noun Adhering
Definitions
  1. To stick fast or cleave, as a glutinous substance does; to become joined or united; as, wax to the finger; the lungs sometimes adhere to the pleura.
  2. To hold, be attached, or devoted; to remain fixed, either by personal union or conformity of faith, principle, or opinion; as, men adhere to a party, a cause, a leader, a church.
  3. To be consistent or coherent; to be in accordance; to agree. "Nor time nor place did then adhere." Every thing adheres together." Shak. Syn. -- To attach; stick; cleave; cling; hold

Webster 1913