n. behavior in compliance with a direct command, often one issued by a person in a position of authority. Examples include a child who cleans his or her room when told to do so by a parent and a soldier who follows the orders of a superior officer. Obedience has the potential to be highly destructive and ethically questionable, however, as demonstrated in the behavioral study of obedience. See constructive obedience; destructive obedience. —obedientadj.