oblige

American  

[uh-blahyj] / əˈblaɪdʒ /

verb (used with object)

obliged, obliging

1. to require or constrain, as by law, command, conscience, or force of necessity.

   Synonyms:

   force, compel

2. to bind morally or legally, as by a promise or contract.

   Synonyms:

   obligate

3. to place under a debt of gratitude for some benefit, favor, or service.

   I'm much obliged for the ride.

4. to put (one) in a debt of gratitude, as by a favor or accommodation.

   Mr. Weems will oblige us with a song.

5. to make (an action, policy, etc.) necessary or obligatory.

   Your carelessness obliges firmness on my part.

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verb (used without object)

obliged, obliging

1. to be kindly accommodating.

   I'll do anything within reason to oblige.

oblige British  

/ əˈblaɪdʒ /

verb

1. (tr; often passive) to bind or constrain (someone to do something) by legal, moral, or physical means

2. (tr; usually passive) to make indebted or grateful (to someone) by doing a favour or service

   we are obliged to you for dinner

3. to do a service or favour to (someone)

   she obliged the guest with a song

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Usage

What does oblige mean? Oblige commonly means to politely do something for someone, as in He’s the kind of person who’s happy to oblige no matter what the request is. Someone who is accommodating in this way can be described as obliging. This sense of the word is sometimes used in a somewhat ironic way that likens a negative reaction to a polite one, as in He rudely told me to step aside and let him pass, and I was happy to oblige since I was standing in front of a huge mud puddle. Oblige also commonly means to require, compel, or constrain. This can imply a moral sense of duty or one based on conscience, as in It is her sense of duty that obliges her to make this sacrifice. Or it can imply an official or legal requirement, as in The contract obliges us to perform three nights a week. This sense of oblige is perhaps most often used in passive constructions, as in By contract, we are obliged to perform three nights a week. The similar verb obligate can be used to mean the same thing. The related noun obligation refers to a responsibility or duty that is required of someone. In other words, an obligation is something you are obliged or obligated to do. Something that’s required in such a way can be described with the related adjective obligatory. Sometimes, oblige means to put one in a debt of gratitude, such as for some favor or service. This sense of the word is especially used in the phrase much obliged, which can be used by itself as another way of saying thank you or in a sentence, as in We’re much obliged for all your hospitality. Example: There is no requirement that obliges us to help those who are less fortunate—but we should do it out of a moral obligation.

Related Words

Oblige, accommodate imply making a gracious and welcome gesture of some kind. Oblige emphasizes the idea of conferring a favor or benefit (and often of taking some trouble to do it): to oblige someone with a loan. Accommodate emphasizes doing a service or furnishing a convenience: to accommodate someone with lodgings and meals.

Other Word Forms

• obliger
  noun
• preoblige
  verb (used with object)
• reoblige
  verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of oblige

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English obligen, from Old French obligier, from Latin obligāre “to bind”; see obligate

Explanation

To oblige is to do something you have to, because you're bound by either good manners or the law. You are obliged to pay back your student loans, or for your portion of the dinner bill. You may also feel obliged to bring a gift if you're invited to a wedding. You can also tip your cowboy hat and be "much obliged" if someone does you a favor. The French phrase, noblesse oblige means basically that "privilege entails responsibility," or that the wealthy are obliged to do something productive in the world and not just sit around polishing their silver spoons.

Example Sentences

Oblige, and Apple will reward you by populating the default “For You” tab in the app with a cleanly arranged stream of recent stories culled from the outlets you’ve specified.

From Slate • Sep. 18, 2015

Though Noblesse Oblige is obviously the definitive work on the subject, the controversy really began with a learned paper, published in Helsinki by Philologist Alan S. C. Ross of the University of Birmingham.

From Time Magazine Archive

Oblige us at least with the name and address of the maker.'

From Miss Cayley's Adventures by Allen, Grant

American women of leisure must awaken to an appreciation of the democratic idea of Noblesse Oblige.

From The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume V by Harper, Ida Husted

"Oblige me by staying where you are!" he said to Denny's back.

From "Persons Unknown" by Tracy, Virginia

Related Words

• bind
• compel
• constrain
• impel
• obligate