This is the 4585th most frequent Japanese word.
従う
"To obey, follow, or comply with."
In this sentence, '従う' means to follow or adhere to someone's directives or instructions.
彼は先生の指示に従った。
He followed the teacher's instructions.
Here '従う' is used to mean acting in development with rules or guidelines.
規則に従って行動してください。
Please act according to the rules.
In this instance, '従う' indicates following one's own beliefs or judgments.