abide by

Verb

abide by (third-person singular simple present abides by, present participle abiding by, simple past and past participle abided by or abode by)

1. (transitive) To accept (a decision or law) and act in accordance with it; to conform to (a decision or law); to acquiesce to (a decision or law).
   • I don't agree with it, but I'll abide by the decision to give the reward to her.
   • The defendent has abided by my ruling in good faith.

   Synonyms:

   acquiesce, conform, accept, go along with, bite the bullet, face up to, face the music, grin and bear it, grit one's teeth, make a virtue of necessity

2. (transitive) To remain faithful to (something or someone); to adhere to (an idea or plan).
   • He may have shown his true colors, but he's supported me for years, so I'll abide by him.
   • She has served me loyally, abiding by my rule for almost my entire life.

   Synonyms:

   stand by, go to the wall for, stick with, hold on, keep faith, go to the wall for someone, stick by