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.
On the other, her disobedience results from her gullibility and erroneous reason. Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024 Alas, the revelation that Yuki was the mole who smuggled the disobedience code out of ImaTech and onto the black market was for real. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2024 Zoom in: While the Sheriff Department collected 19 fewer internal complaints and 55 fewer from the public and inmates, 40% were for disobedience of rules. Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 The disobedience that led to Braun’s removal from that gym might’ve been a trait that needed maturation, but the underlying swagger and cockiness are essential to what his current coach, Michael Malone, wants from him. Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near disobedience

Cite this Entry

“Disobedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disobedience. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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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