disobedient

Disobedient is an adjective describing someone or something that does not comply with rules, orders, or authority. The term comes from dis- plus obedience, with roots in Latin and Old French, and has been in English since the late Middle Ages. The related noun disobedience denotes the act or state of not obeying.

In common usage, disobedience can range from minor infractions to deliberate defiance. It may be described as rebellious, noncompliant, or obstinate depending on tone and context. In child-rearing or education, disobedience is often examined as a behavioral issue, with attention to causes such as autonomy development, learning challenges, or environmental factors. In organizational or legal contexts, persistent disobedience can lead to discipline or sanctions.

Civil disobedience is a well-known form of deliberate, principled disobedience aimed at protesting laws or policies considered unjust, frequently emphasizing nonviolent methods and public visibility. Historically, it has been employed by social movements to provoke reform.

In psychology, several disorders involve disobedient behavior, notably oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, particularly when patterns are persistent and impair functioning. However, not all disobedience indicates a disorder; situational factors and developmental stages often explain variations in behavior.

See also: obedience, civil disobedience, noncompliance, defiance.