English

Verb

abide by ‎(third-person singular simple present abides by, present participle abiding by, simple past and past participle abided by)

1. Used other than as an idiom: see abide,‎ by.

   I don't want to abide by him, so I'll wait over there.

   He knows how I feel, but I'll show him that I can abide by not complaining about his plans in front of the junior staff.

2. (transitive) To accept (a decision or law) and act in accordance with it; to conform to (a decision or law); to acquiesce to (a decision or law).

   I don't agree with it, but I'll abide by the decision to give the reward to her.

   The defendent has abided by my ruling in good faith.

3. (transitive) To remain faithful to (something or someone); to adhere to (an idea or plan).

   He may have shown his true colors, but he's supported me for years, so I'll abide by him.

   She has served me loyally, abiding by my rule for almost my entire life.

   • Fielding

     The poor fellow was obstinate enough to abide by what he said at first

Synonyms

• to accept a decision and act in accordance with it: acquiesce, conform
• to remain faithful to: stand by, go to the wall for, stick with

Usage notes

Neither of the idiomatic uses allow an object between abide and by.

Translations

Anagrams

• yabbied