obligated

American  

[ob-li-gey-tid] / ˈɒb lɪˌgeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. 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.

2. (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.

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• nonobligated adjective
• quasi-obligated adjective
• unobligated adjective

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

Example Sentences

It may also force drivers to ask a question, he added: “Why am I obligated to pay for insurance if insurance isn’t paying for me?”

From MarketWatch

The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act obligated Washington to provide the island with arms for its own self-defense.

From The Wall Street Journal

Look at what government programs cost minus any dedicated revenue they collect and interest on the debt, which government is obligated to pay.

From The Wall Street Journal

Consumers might not just feel obligated to shop at a specific store because of their membership, but they could also end up paying more than they did before.

From MarketWatch

Boards, for their part, aren’t obligated to pursue the highest nominal offer.

From Barron's

Related Words

• compelled
• duty-bound
• enslaved
• indebted
• obliged