1. to comply with or follow the commands, rules, or decisions of a person or institution in a position of power
Citizens must obey authority to maintain social order.
Os cidadãos devem obedecer à autoridade para manter a ordem social.
2. to submit to the rules or directives of someone with legitimate power or control
Students are expected to obey authority in the classroom.
Espera-se que os alunos obedeçam à autoridade na sala de aula.