oblige

[uh-blahyj]

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.

verb (used without object)

obliged, obliging 

1. to be kindly accommodating.

   I'll do anything within reason to oblige.

oblige

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of oblige¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of oblige¹

C13: from Old French obliger, from Latin obligāre, from ob- to, towards + ligāre to bind

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

If state legislatures had been permitted to wrangle over abortion, Americans would have been obliged to argue with each other like grown-ups about its moral import and practical effects.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

I duck across the street in a baseball cap to oblige my 11-year-old’s plea to avoid her bus stop.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

It has said that as the occupying power, Israel is obliged under international law to ensure sufficient food and medical supplies reach Gaza's population.

Read more on BBC

While she is not obliged to, Gisèle too will attend the proceedings.

Read more on BBC

Sitting on a lawn under a shade tree, 87-year-old Ron Nelson graciously obliged when asked by yet another stranger for his recollection of that day.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bind 
• compel 
• constrain 
• impel 
• obligate 

When To Use

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.