To comply means to do what someone in authority has asked or required you to do. When your teacher asks everyone to line up quietly and you do it, you're complying with her instructions. When a sign says “All visitors must comply with park rules,” it means visitors need to follow those rules.

The word suggests cooperation with rules, requests, or commands, especially when someone has the authority to make them. A business must comply with safety regulations. Students comply with school dress codes. When a referee tells players to shake hands after a game, the players who do it are complying with the request.

Complying doesn't necessarily mean you agree with the rule or enjoy following it. You might think a rule is silly but still comply because it's required. A driver might not like the speed limit on a certain road but complies anyway to avoid getting a ticket.

The opposite of complying is refusing or resisting. Someone who doesn't comply might face consequences, like detention for a student, fines for a business, or penalties in a game.