blind obedience

USAGE SUMMARY

'blind obedience' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to when someone follows orders without question or thought, often without considering the consequences. For example: "The soldier had to remain silent and accept the orders of his commander, showing blind obedience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Disciplined teamwork, yes, but not blind obedience.

The New York Times

It rejected blind obedience to authority, whether religious or political.

The New York Times

"They have blind obedience to their leaders and their ideology.

The Guardian

The chief wartime value he taught us was blind obedience.

The New York Times

Socrates questioned such blind obedience to an ideology.

The Guardian - Books

He recommended meditation, self-denial, and blind obedience to the sheikh.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The movement discourages independent thought, Karyouni said, and fosters blind obedience.

The New York Times - Magazine

Education should encourage thought, dialogue and growth, not reward  blind obedience.

The New York Times

The difference is that the regime no longer enjoys the blind obedience of the early years.

The New York Times

Architects will need to see blind obedience once again as a vice, not a virtue.

The New York Times - Arts

The purpose of leadership is neither to be "messianic" or to encourage blind obedience.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethical decision-making or leadership, use "blind obedience" to highlight the dangers of following orders without critical thought.

Common error

Avoid portraying "blind obedience" as a virtue. Emphasize that individuals have a responsibility to evaluate the morality and consequences of their actions, even when following orders.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blind obedience" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a type of behavior or attitude, as confirmed by Ludwig, where directives are followed without question.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blind obedience" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe unquestioning compliance with authority, often with negative connotations. Ludwig confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts. As reflected in Ludwig's examples and with a high frequency across news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, it serves to critique actions taken without independent thought. When writing, it's crucial to understand that while obedience may be necessary, "blind obedience" can lead to unethical outcomes. Therefore, alternatives like "unquestioning compliance" or "mindless conformity" might better suit certain arguments depending on context. Always promote critical evaluation over automatic agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implicit obedience

Implies that obedience is understood but not explicitly stated.

unquestioning compliance

Emphasizes the act of complying without asking questions.

unthinking allegiance

Highlights loyalty without critical evaluation.

unreserved compliance

Stresses the complete and total nature of the compliance.

mindless conformity

Highlights the lack of independent thought in adhering to norms.

automatic submission

Stresses that obedience is made by reflex.

servile submission

Implies a degrading level of obedience, like that of a servant.

rote compliance

Focuses on mechanical and habitual adherence.

strict adherence

Focuses on following rules or guidelines with precision.

dogged adherence

Implies persistence and determination in following rules or guidelines.

FAQs

What does "blind obedience" mean?

Blind obedience refers to following orders or instructions without questioning their validity or ethical implications. It implies a lack of independent judgment and critical thinking.

When is "blind obedience" dangerous?

"Blind obedience" can be dangerous in situations where it leads to unethical or harmful actions. It is important to exercise critical thinking and question authority when necessary.

What can I say instead of "blind obedience"?

You can use alternatives like "unquestioning compliance", "mindless conformity", or "servile submission", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "blind obedience" differ from respectful obedience?

Respectful obedience involves following legitimate authority while still maintaining the capacity for critical thought and ethical judgment. "Blind obedience", on the other hand, implies a complete surrender of independent judgment.