Discipline And Behavior

verb To respond defiantly or rudely to someone in authority or to answer in a cheeky or impertinent manner.

• It is considered impolite to answer back to your elders.
• Don't answer back to your boss, just listen and follow instructions.
• She always has to answer back with some snarky comment.
• The roaring waves seemed to answer back to the howling wind.

noun defiance of authority; refusal to obey orders

adjective insubordinate (related to insubordination)

• The employee was reprimanded for his insubordination towards his supervisor.
• She got in trouble for being insubordinate and not following the rules.
• He was being a total rebel and showing insubordination towards authority.
• Her insubordination towards tradition was seen as a bold move in the industry.

adjective showing compliance or willingness to obey

• The obedient student always followed the teacher's instructions without question.
• My dog is very obedient and always comes when I call.
• She's like, totally obedient to her parents, it's kinda annoying.
• The river flowed obediently towards the sea, following its natural course.

verb to warn or reprimand someone firmly

• The teacher admonishes students for talking during class.
• My mom admonishes me when I forget to do my chores.
• The coach admonishes the players for not giving their best effort.
• The wise elder admonishes the young ones to cherish their time with loved ones.

noun a warning or reprimand given by someone in authority

• The teacher's admonishments about proper behavior in the classroom were clear and consistent.
• I'm tired of hearing my mom's admonishments about cleaning my room.
• Stop with the constant admonishments, I get it already!
• The storm clouds served as nature's admonishments of the impending bad weather.