obligated
Americanadjective
-
bound by law or regulation, moral principle, duty, etc.; obliged.
My supervisors talked with me regularly about my ambitions and struggles, not because they felt obligated, but because they truly cared.
-
(of funds, property, etc.) pledged, committed, or bound, as to meet an obligation.
If a parent is unable to pay the obligated amount, they are free to request the court to modify the child support order.
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of obligated
First recorded in 1730–40; obligate ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. ); for the adjective senses; obligate ( def. ) + -ed 1 ( def. ) for the verb sense
Explanation
It could be going to a baby shower, buying someone lunch, or turning in your research paper by Tuesday. If you have to do it — even if you'd rather not — then you’re obligated. Obligated can mean that you have to do something because the law or the rules say that you do. For example, you’re obligated to pay your taxes by April 15. It can also mean that you just feel like you need to do something because it’s the right thing to do or because you feel like you owe someone. You’re obligated to go to your best friend’s birthday party, even though you’d rather be out with your new boyfriend.
Vocabulary lists containing obligated
Unit 3: Compelling Evidence
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When it comes to immigration enforcement and schools, “when presented with a valid warrant signed by a federal judge or magistrate, school officials are obligated to comply and not to interfere,” Mattammal said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
Should the stock be below $670 at expiration, investors are obligated to buy the stock or to adjust the position to avoid assignment.
From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026
Instead, consider hiring a fee-only CFP who is also a fiduciary — obligated to put your interests first, and not sell you only on their firm’s products.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026
Lawyers for the Maduros said that under Venezuelan law, the government is obligated to pay for their legal defense.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
We understood that we represented the nation and were obligated to step forward and be present when there was tragedy, or hardship, or confusion.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
