Etymology : Italian complire, from Spanish cumplir to complete, perform what is due, be courteous, modification of Latin complEre to complete
Pronunciation : k&m-'plI
Function : intransitive verb
Date : 1602
1. submit, consent, obey. comply\com*ply"\ , v. i. [imp. & p. p. complied ; p. pr. & vb. n. complying.] [perh. formed fr. compliment, influenced by ply, pliant, which are of different origin: cf. it. complire to compliment, finish, suit. see:
compliment, complete.].
2. 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. they did servilely comply with the people in worshiping god by sensible images. he that complies against his will is of his own opinion still.
3. to be ceremoniously courteous; to make one's compliments. [obs.]comply \com*ply"\, v. t. [see:
comply, v. i.].
4. to fulfill; to accomplish. [obs.].
5. [cf. l. complicare to fold up. see:
ply.] to infold; to embrace. [obs.] seemed to comply, cloudlike, the daintie deitie.comply act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes; "he complied with my instructions"; "you must comply or else!" "follow these simple rules"; "abide by the rules" [syn: follow, abide by].
6. To yield assent; to accord; agree, or acquiesce; to adapt one's self; to consent or conform; usually followed by with.
7. To be ceremoniously courteous; to make one's compliments.
8. To fulfill; to accomplish.
9. To infold; to embrace. act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes; "He complied with my instructions"; "You must comply or else!"; "Follow these simple rules"; "abide by the rules".
10. If someone or something complies with an order or set of rules, they are in accordance with what is required or expected. The commander said that the army would comply with the ceasefire There are calls for his resignation, but there is no sign yet that he will comply. to do what you have to do or are asked to do compliance, compliant compliant comply with (complire, from cumplir , from complere; COMPLETE).