oblige
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to require or constrain, as by law, command, conscience, or force of necessity.
-
to bind morally or legally, as by a promise or contract.
- Synonyms:
- obligate
-
to place under a debt of gratitude for some benefit, favor, or service.
I'm much obliged for the ride.
-
to put (one) in a debt of gratitude, as by a favor or accommodation.
Mr. Weems will oblige us with a song.
-
to make (an action, policy, etc.) necessary or obligatory.
Your carelessness obliges firmness on my part.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
(tr; often passive) to bind or constrain (someone to do something) by legal, moral, or physical means
-
(tr; usually passive) to make indebted or grateful (to someone) by doing a favour or service
we are obliged to you for dinner
-
to do a service or favour to (someone)
she obliged the guest with a song
Usage
What does oblige mean? Oblige commonly means to politely do something for someone, as in He’s the kind of person who’s happy to oblige no matter what the request is. Someone who is accommodating in this way can be described as obliging. This sense of the word is sometimes used in a somewhat ironic way that likens a negative reaction to a polite one, as in He rudely told me to step aside and let him pass, and I was happy to oblige since I was standing in front of a huge mud puddle. Oblige also commonly means to require, compel, or constrain. This can imply a moral sense of duty or one based on conscience, as in It is her sense of duty that obliges her to make this sacrifice. Or it can imply an official or legal requirement, as in The contract obliges us to perform three nights a week. This sense of oblige is perhaps most often used in passive constructions, as in By contract, we are obliged to perform three nights a week. The similar verb obligate can be used to mean the same thing. The related noun obligation refers to a responsibility or duty that is required of someone. In other words, an obligation is something you are obliged or obligated to do. Something that’s required in such a way can be described with the related adjective obligatory. Sometimes, oblige means to put one in a debt of gratitude, such as for some favor or service. This sense of the word is especially used in the phrase much obliged, which can be used by itself as another way of saying thank you or in a sentence, as in We’re much obliged for all your hospitality. Example: There is no requirement that obliges us to help those who are less fortunate—but we should do it out of a moral obligation.
Synonym Usage
Oblige, accommodate imply making a gracious and welcome gesture of some kind. Oblige emphasizes the idea of conferring a favor or benefit (and often of taking some trouble to do it): to oblige someone with a loan. Accommodate emphasizes doing a service or furnishing a convenience: to accommodate someone with lodgings and meals.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have obligedperfect
-
has obligedperfect 3rd person singular
-
obligessingular 3rd person
-
obligingparticiple
-
are obligingprogressive
-
is obligingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
am obligingprogressive 1st person singular
-
have been obligingperfect progressive
-
has been obligingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
Past
-
had obligedperfect
-
obligedparticiple
-
obligedsimple
-
were obligingprogressive plural
-
was obligingprogressive singular
-
had been obligingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of oblige
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English obligen, from Old French obligier, from Latin obligāre “to bind”; see obligate
Explanation
To oblige is to do something you have to, because you're bound by either good manners or the law. You are obliged to pay back your student loans, or for your portion of the dinner bill. You may also feel obliged to bring a gift if you're invited to a wedding. You can also tip your cowboy hat and be "much obliged" if someone does you a favor. The French phrase, noblesse oblige means basically that "privilege entails responsibility," or that the wealthy are obliged to do something productive in the world and not just sit around polishing their silver spoons.
Vocabulary lists containing oblige
List 2
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Essential English Vocabulary, List 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I A Woman?" (1863)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Elle faisait référence à une femme à Nice qui a été obligé de retirer sa chemise à la plage.
From New York Times • Sep. 2, 2016
When the horses were fed, and I had, as is customary, treated the driver, we departed amidst the pleasing sounds of Bien obligé, bon voyage.
From Canada and the Canadians, Vol. 2 by Bonnycastle, Richard Henry
Veut-il former une armée plus considérable, la Grèce seule, m'a-t-on dit, peut alors lui donner cent vingt mille hommes; mais ceux-ci, il est obligé de les soudoyer.
From The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques and Discoveries of the English Nation — Volume 10 Asia, Part III by Hakluyt, Richard
Certainement, oui!" exclaimed the eager valet "Quel malheur to be obligé to go on la mèr, when Mam'selle Alide nevair quit la maison!
From The Water-Witch or, the Skimmer of the Seas by Cooper, James Fenimore
In fact, it is for nations especially to bear in remembrance the ancient adage: noblesse obligé!
From Biographies of Distinguished Scientific Men by Grant, Robert
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.
