obey、comply与submit这些动词均含“服从、听从”之意。

obey : 一般用词，指服从或接受某种权威，或遵循某种原则而行事。

• to obey a command/an order/rules/the law
  服从指挥 / 命令；遵守规章 / 法律
• He had always obeyed his parents without question.
  他对父母一向绝对服从。

comply : 指同意依从他人的愿望或请求，或遵守某种规则或顺应某种环境条件。

• They refused to comply with the UN resolution.
  他们拒绝遵守联合国的决议。

submit : 指顺从或屈服于自己不能进一步抵制或抵抗的人或事物。

• She refused to submit to threats.
  她面对威胁，拒不低头。
• He submitted himself to a search by the guards.
  他只好让卫兵搜查。