obligate

American  

[ob-li-geyt, ob-li-git, -geyt] / ˈɒb lɪˌgeɪt, ˈɒb lɪ gɪt, -ˌgeɪt /

verb (used with object)

obligated, obligating

1. to bind or oblige morally or legally.

   to obligate oneself to purchase a building.

2. to pledge, commit, or bind (funds, property, etc.) to meet an obligation.

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adjective

1. morally or legally bound; obliged; constrained.

2. necessary; essential.

3. Biology. restricted to a particular condition of life, as certain organisms that can survive only in the absence of oxygen (facultative ).

   obligate anaerobe.

obligate British  

/ ˈɒblɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to compel, constrain, or oblige morally or legally

2. (in the US) to bind (property, funds, etc) as security

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adjective

1. compelled, bound, or restricted

2. biology able to exist under only one set of environmental conditions Compare facultative

   an obligate parasite cannot live independently of its host

obligate Scientific  

/ ŏb′lĭ-gĭt,-gāt′ /

1. Capable of existing only in a particular environment or by assuming a particular role. An obligate aerobe, such as certain bacteria, can live only in the presence of oxygen. An obligate parasite cannot survive independently of its host.

2. Compare facultative

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Other Word Forms

• obligable adjective
• obligative adjective
• obligator noun
• preobligate verb (used with object)
• reobligate verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of obligate

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English obligat, from Latin obligātus (past participle of obligāre “to bind”), equivalent to ob- + ligātus; ob-, ligate

Example Sentences

Things got complicated at that point, given that Kern County’s district attorney was obligated to recuse herself and Atty.

From Los Angeles Times

Already, Washington has declined to enter Williams’ name into the portal, citing language in the NIL contract that states the school is not obligated to do so.

From Los Angeles Times

In many states, if a card is only in one spouse’s name, the survivor is generally not legally obligated to pay it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nasdaq has long said it is legally obligated to provide fair access to companies that meet its listing standards, and must promote capital formation for even the smallest companies.

From Barron's

The Department of Justice did not respond to specific questions, but said judges must be impartial and that the agency is obligated to take action against those who demonstrate systemic bias.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• constrain
• oblige