Obtempers

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To comply with commands or submit to authority in a willing manner; to yield or adapt one's behavior to meet others' expectations; demonstrating obedience or compliance to orders, especially in a formal context
2. Showing deference to rules or requests, readily adjusting one's actions to align with those in command; adhering to directives while expressing understanding and acceptance of authority; engaging in a manner that reflects respect for prescribed conduct and situations
3. Engaging in conduct that follows established protocols or guidelines without resistance; aligning personal choices with external regulations or wishes; portraying a behavioral flexibility that prioritizes adherence to higher mandates

Etymology: "Obtempers" is the third-person singular present form of "obtemper," a verb meaning to comply with an order or request. It is the form of "obtemper" used with "he," "she," or "it," so it describes someone who obeys or submits in a given instance. The verb "obtemper" is a back-formation from "obtemperate," which descends from Latin "obtemperare," meaning to obey or comply, built from "ob-" (toward or against) and "temperare" (to moderate, regulate, or govern). The root "temperare" also gave English "temper" and "temperate," so "obtemper" is distantly related to words for moderation and self-control, though its own sense centres on yielding to authority.