obtempérer

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comply with an order, obey an injunction
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/ɔp.tɑ̃.pe.ʁe/
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To follow an instruction issued with authority.

Examples

  • Malgré les sommations répétées, le bateau n'a pas obtempéré.
    Despite repeated orders, the boat did not comply.
  • Les agents lui ont demandé de sortir, et il a aussitôt obtempéré.
    The officers asked him to get out, and he immediately complied.
  • Le conducteur a refusé d'obtempérer à l'ordre de s'arrêter.
    The driver refused to comply with the order to stop.
  • Elle a obtempéré à la demande du préfet sans protester.
    She complied with the prefect's request without protest.
  • L'entreprise devra obtempérer à cette injonction judiciaire.
    The company will have to comply with this court order.

Similar words

se soumettre
se conformer
déférer
s'exécuter

Meanings

Comply with an order

verb
law
formal
To do what an official order or demand requires, especially after an authority has instructed someone to act.

Examples

  • Le conducteur a refusé d'obtempérer à l'ordre de s'arrêter.
    The driver refused to comply with the order to stop.
  • Les agents lui ont demandé de sortir, et il a aussitôt obtempéré.
    The officers asked him to get out, and he immediately complied.
  • L'entreprise devra obtempérer à cette injonction judiciaire.
    The company will have to comply with this court order.
  • Malgré les sommations répétées, le bateau n'a pas obtempéré.
    Despite repeated orders, the boat did not comply.
  • Elle a obtempéré à la demande du préfet sans protester.
    She complied with the prefect's request without protest.

Similar words

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin obtemperare, “to comply”, built from ob- and temperare, “to moderate”.

FAQ

What does obtempérer mean?

To comply with an order or authoritative demand.

Does obtempérer take à?

Yes, one obtempère à an order or instruction.

What is a refus d'obtempérer?

A refusal to comply with an order, often a police order to stop.

What is the present form for je?

J'obtempère.

Is obtempérer formal?

Yes, it is common in legal and administrative contexts.

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