American Dictionary

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Definition respect in American English

respect verb

[transitive] verb
/rɪˈspekt/
1

to feel admiration for someone because of their personal qualities, their achievements, or their status, and show this by treating them in a polite and kind way

Example

He is highly respected in his profession.

Example

People will respect you for telling the truth about this.

Example

We work well together, and I respect him as an equal.

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2

to show that you understand the importance of something by not doing anything against it

Example

Doctors must respect the wishes of their patients.

Example

a promise to respect the rights of minorities

Synonyms and related words
2.1

to obey a rule, law, etc.

Example

The court's decision must be respected.

Synonyms and related words
Definition respect in American English