adhere

[ad-heer]

verb (used without object)

adhered, adhering 

1. to stay attached; stick fast; cleave; cling (usually followed byto ).

   The mud adhered to his shoes.

   Antonyms: loosen, part

2. Physics, Chemistry.,  (of two or more dissimilar substances) to be united by a molecular force acting in the area of contact.

3. to be devoted in support or allegiance; be attached as a follower or upholder (usually followed byto ).

   to adhere to a party.

4. to hold closely or firmly (usually followed byto ).

   to adhere to a plan.

5. Obsolete.,  to be consistent.

verb (used with object)

adhered, adhering 

1. to cause to adhere; make stick.

   Glue will adhere the tiles to the wallboard.

adhere

/ ədˈhɪə /

verb

1. (usually foll by to) to stick or hold fast

2. (foll by to) to be devoted (to a political party, cause, religion, etc); be a follower (of)

3. (foll by to) to follow closely or exactly

   adhere to the rules

Other Word Forms

• adherence noun
• adherable adjective
• adherer noun
• preadhere verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of adhere¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Medieval Latin adhērēre for Latin adhaerēre ( ad- ad- + haerēre “to stick, cling”), perhaps via Middle French adhérer

Word History and Origins

Origin of adhere¹

C16: via Medieval Latin adhērēre from Latin adhaerēre to stick to

Synonym Study

See stick ².

Example Sentences

Sir Laurie can advise on whether ministers have adhered to the code, but the prime minister decides what if any action to take.

From BBC

Aslef said its members would walk out on 3 October and refuse to work non-contractual overtime from 21 September because of the company's "persistent refusal" to adhere to guidelines for disciplinary proceedings.

From BBC

Since the studio was built before live-work spaces were common, Therrien had to design his modest apartment as a “watchman’s quarters” in order to adhere to building code.

From Los Angeles Times

She said she was not "sure what colour socks they wear adhere to how well they learn".

From BBC

Once upon a time, Kershaw adhered to a strict routine in the weight room.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• comply 
• heed 
• obey 
• observe 
• stand by