obligated

[ ob-li-gey-tid ]

/ ˈɒb lɪˌgeɪ tɪd /

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See synonyms for obligated on Thesaurus.com

adjective

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

the simple past tense and past participle of obligate.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of obligated

First recorded in 1730–40; obligate + -ed²; for the adjective senses; obligate + -ed¹ for the verb sense

OTHER WORDS FROM obligated

non·ob·li·gat·ed, adjectivequa·si-ob·li·gat·ed, adjectiveun·ob·li·gat·ed, adjective

Words nearby obligated

oblanceolate, oblast, oblate, oblation, obligate, obligated, obligation, obligational, obligational authority, obligative, obligato

How to use obligated in a sentence

According to Segal, if the coming vaccine is not free, the law does not obligate employers to pay for the cost of a mandatory shot.
Can your boss make you get a COVID vaccine? Probably|Jeff|November 29, 2020|Fortune
Because of that, I was wondering if in fact I was obligated by etiquette to acknowledge the "reach out."
Miss Manners: Does an online dating request deserve a reply to decline?|Judith Martin, Nicholas Martin, Jacobina Martin|November 11, 2020|Washington Post
The city is obligated to make room for 5,000 homes at different levels of affordability, based on state housing policy.
Sanchez’s Win in Oceanside Is More Evidence of a Changing County|Kayla Jimenez|November 7, 2020|Voice of San Diego
An extension through May would allow Sanchez to avoid repeatedly seeking approval for restrictions as he was obligated to do during during Spain’s lockdown earlier this year.
Curfews, closings and police clashes: Spain and Italy impose tough new measures as COVID cases spike|Bernhard Warner|October 26, 2020|Fortune

Once Pendergraft was certified, she was obligated to work at least 20 hours a week.
Meet the Customer Service Reps for Disney and Airbnb Who Have to Pay to Talk to You|by Ken Armstrong, Justin Elliott and Ariana Tobin|October 2, 2020|ProPublica
Starting in 1966, Korean movie theaters were obligated to show at least six domestic films for more than 90 days.
Propaganda, Protest, and Poisonous Vipers: The Cinema War in Korea|Rich Goldstein|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Are the stars of Mockingjay obligated to speak out in their defense?
‘The Hunger Games’ Stars Silent on Thai Protesters|Asawin Suebsaeng|November 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I feel obligated to sneak in a Never Been Kissed question because I love that movie.
Jessica Alba on 'Sin City,' Typecasting, and How Homophobia Pushed Her Away From the Church|Marlow Stern|August 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“The Palestinians under Oslo are obligated to do everything they can,” he said.
Israeli Intel Chief: Hamas Is Just Like ISIS|Eli Lake|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“But he was not obligated to do that by the resolution itself,” McFaul said.
Russia’s Ace in the Hole: a Super-Missile It Can Sell to Iran|Eli Lake|April 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And if workmen had been employed thereon, the bailor would also be obligated to pay for their labor.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
I have obligated them to put the best quality of iron, and to be delivered at Falmouth within four months.
Life of Richard Trevithick, Volume II (of 2)|Francis Trevithick
Each organization obligated itself to exercise "police authority" over its constituents, enforcing obedience to the agreement.
A History of Trade Unionism in the United States|Selig Perlman
This last obligated the director to see that the girls rested for a time after the noon-day meal.
The Girl Scouts at Camp Comalong|Lillian Garis
Harleston had walked a block before he recollected that he was obligated to Ranleigh to go in a taxi.
The Cab of the Sleeping Horse|John Reed Scott