comply Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
    follow; abide by.
    • He complied with my instructions
    • You must comply or else!
    • Follow these simple rules
    • abide by the rules

WordNet

Com*ply" intransitive verb
Etymology
Perh. formed fr. compliment, influenced by ply, pliant, which are of different origin: cf. It. complire to compliment, finish, suit. See Compliment, Complete.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Complied ; present participle & verbal noun Complying
Definitions
  1. To yield assent; to accord; agree, or acquiesce; to adapt one's self; to consent or conform; -- usually followed by with.
    Yet this be sure, in nothing to comply, Scandalous or forbidden in our law. Milton.
    They did servilely comply with the people in worshiping God by sensible images. Tillotson.
    He that complies against his will Is of his own opinion still. Hudibras.
  2. To be ceremoniously courteous; to make one's compliments. Obs. Shak.
Com*ply" transitive verb
Etymology
See comply, v. i.
Definitions
  1. To fulfill; to accomplish. Obs. Chapman.
  2. Cf. L. complicare to fold up. See Ply. To infold; to embrace. Obs.
    Seemed to comply, Cloudlike, the daintie deitie. Herrick.

Webster 1913