What does "abide by" mean?

Accept and follow a rule or decision. For example: Players must abide by the referee's decision.

abide by

phrasal verb·1 sense·particle by

Meanings

Why “by”? BY shows the thing that guides you: a rule, promise, name, or belief.

“Players must abide by the referee's decision.”

Players must accept and obey the referee's decision.

“All drivers must abide by the new rules.”

All drivers must accept and obey the new rules.

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“Players must abide by the referee's decision.” What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.

go by

Same by pattern: guide

Of time, pass or elapse; Use a rule, name, or evidence as your guide; Use a particular name

live by

Same by pattern: guide

Live according to a rule or principle

stand by

Same by pattern: guide

Wait nearby, ready to act if needed; Stay loyal to what you said or promised; Wait, ready to act when needed; Watch without intervening

swear by

Same by pattern: guide

Strongly believe in the value or effectiveness of something

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