Obeyer

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /əˈbeɪəɹ/

Definitions

1. An individual who consents to follow directives, regulations, or authorities demonstrates adherence to the expectations set by others
2. A person that conforms to the commands, guidelines, or statutes illustrates compliance and respect for external authority
3. A person who accepts and follows orders or instructions given by a figure of authority

Etymology: "Obeyer" is a plain agent noun built from "obey" plus the suffix "-er," which turns a verb into a noun for the person doing the action. "Obey" came into English from Old French "obeir," itself from Latin "oboedire," meaning to listen to or give ear to, from "ob" (toward) and "audire" (to hear). So the root idea is one of hearing and attending before acting. The suffix does the work here, following the same pattern as "player" or "reader." Because "obey" was already in use, "obeyer" needed no separate coinage; it simply names whoever carries out the obeying. The word is comparatively rare in everyday English, since "follower" or "subordinate" usually does the job, but its structure is transparent: the person who obeys.

Synonyms: follower, compliant, submissive, adherent, acquiescent

Antonyms: disobeyer, rebel, defier, dissenter, noncompliant