Verbs of Power Relations - Verbs for Reacting to Power

Here you will learn some English verbs referring to reacting to power such as "obey", "defy", and "rebel".

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Verbs of Power Relations

to be or act in accordance with a rule, standard, etc.

Ex:
to obey [verb]

to follow commands, rules, or orders

Ex: Citizens are required to obey the laws of the land .

(of a monarch or ruler) to step down from a position of power

Ex: Facing political turmoil , the emperor decided to abdicate to restore stability .

to act in accordance with rules, regulations, or requests

Ex: The company implemented new security measures , and everyone needs to comply .
to yield [verb]

to give up or hand over control, often a territory or authority, to someone else

Ex: During the conflict , one side had to yield control of key resources to the opposing force .

to surrender after negotiation or when facing overwhelming pressure

Ex: The company capitulated to the union 's demands to avoid a strike .

to refuse to follow rules, commands, or orders

Ex: It is important for citizens to understand the consequences of disobeying traffic laws .

to use force to prevent something from happening or to fight against an attack

Ex: The dog managed to resist being pinned down by the larger animal , showing its strength and determination in the struggle .
to buck [verb]

to strongly resist or oppose something

Ex: The team decided to buck the decision , advocating for an alternative approach .

to resist or endure the force, pressure, or challenges imposed upon oneself

Ex: Plants in arid climates have adaptations to withstand drought conditions .
to defy [verb]

to refuse to respect a person of authority or to observe a law, rule, etc.

Ex: The outspoken employee was willing to defy company policies in order to advocate for change .

to firmly resist something

Ex: The group opposed the authority ’s orders , continuing to protest despite warnings .
to rebel [verb]

to oppose a ruler or government

Ex: The oppressed population began to rebel , seeking autonomy and self-determination .

to lead a sudden and often forceful change against a government or system that is perceived as oppressive, seeking a radical transformation

Ex: The revolutionaries meticulously planned how to revolt against the existing regime .

to forcefully remove a person of authority or power from their position

Ex: The rebels strategically planned to overthrow the dictator and bring about political change .

to remove someone from a position of power or authority, often through force or legal action

Ex: In a sudden coup , the military managed to depose the elected president .

to cause the downfall or removal of rulers or leaders

Ex: The military coup successfully overturned the existing leadership , prompting political instability .

to join a rebellion or reject a previous allegiance, often as a group effort against authority or for a cause

Ex: In the face of social injustice , individuals may feel compelled to rise up and advocate for equality .
to riot [verb]

to engage in violent and disorderly behavior, typically by a group of people, often in protest or as a reaction to a perceived injustice

Ex: The football fans rioted after their team lost the championship game .

to give up resistance or stop fighting against an enemy or opponent

Ex: The besieged fortress eventually had to surrender due to a lack of supplies .
to cede [verb]

to hand over power, land, or a position to another, particularly due to being forced

Ex: They had no choice but to cede their shares in the business when they declared bankruptcy .

to accept the control, authority, or superiority of someone or something

Ex:

to transfer the possession or control of someone or something to another person or entity

Ex: The outgoing president handed over the responsibilities to his successor .

to follow the rules, commands, or wishes of someone, showing compliance to their authority

Ex: Children should learn to abide by their parents ' guidance and rules .