disobedience

noun

dis·​obe·​di·​ence ˌdis-ə-ˈbē-dē-ən(t)s How to pronounce disobedience (audio)
-ō-ˈbē-
: refusal or neglect to obey

Examples of disobedience in a Sentence

The student's disobedience shocked the teacher. The dog was punished for its disobedience.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pardons have sometimes been used in the past — in some cases wisely, in others not — to turn the page on divisive episodes of civil disorder and disobedience. The Editors, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025 That kind of aspirational-prediction dynamic is informing Trump’s disobedience of congressional statutes that limit his control over the executive branch. Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2025 These laws sought to punish the people of Massachusetts for their disobedience during the Boston Tea Party by suspending civil government and trial by jury, among other things. Lawrence B.a. Hatter / Made By History, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025 Yes From an early age, we are taught that obedience is good, and disobedience is bad. Dr. Sunita Sah, TIME, 4 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disobedience

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disobedience was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disobedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disobedience. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

disobedience

noun
dis·​obe·​di·​ence ˌdis-ə-ˈbēd-ē-ən(t)s How to pronounce disobedience (audio)
: failure or refusal to obey
disobedient
-ənt
adjective
disobediently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on disobedience

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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