obliged

[uh-blahyjd]

adjective

1. bound by duty, ethics, or politeness.

   You can bring something to share at the picnic, but please don't feel obliged.

2. forced by law, regulation, or necessity.

   All students are obliged to participate in an internship program.

3. appreciative or grateful.

   If you could shed some light on this mystery, I'd be obliged.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of oblige.

Other Word Forms

• obligedly adverb
• obligedness noun
• unobliged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obliged¹

oblige ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. (very) much obliged, thank you (very much).

   Much obliged for your efforts!

Example Sentences

However, the process is voluntary, so while victims can request to speak directly to specific individuals - for example the former boss of the Post Office, Paula Vennells - ex-executives are not obliged to take part.

Read more on BBC

Energy suppliers are obliged to return credit to customers, but if their contact details are out of date, this can be difficult.

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The report says the U.S. will lose unfettered access to Taiwanese-produced chips or be obliged to pay dearly for them.

Read more on MarketWatch

If social landlords can't meet those deadlines, they will be obliged to offer alternative accommodation.

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Douglass noted the paradox: For abolitionists Lincoln seemed “tardy, cold, dull, and indifferent,” yet by the measure of public sentiment he was obliged to weigh, Lincoln proved “swift, zealous, radical, and determined.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• compelled 
• duty-bound 
• enslaved 
• indebted 
• obligated