obliged

[uh-blahyjd]

adjective

1. bound by duty, ethics, or politeness.

   You can bring something to share at the picnic, but please don't feel obliged.

2. forced by law, regulation, or necessity.

   All students are obliged to participate in an internship program.

3. appreciative or grateful.

   If you could shed some light on this mystery, I'd be obliged.

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• obligedly adverb
• obligedness noun
• unobliged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obliged¹

oblige ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. (very) much obliged, thank you (very much).

   Much obliged for your efforts!

Example Sentences

If state legislatures had been permitted to wrangle over abortion, Americans would have been obliged to argue with each other like grown-ups about its moral import and practical effects.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It has said that as the occupying power, Israel is obliged under international law to ensure sufficient food and medical supplies reach Gaza's population.

Read more on BBC

While she is not obliged to, Gisèle too will attend the proceedings.

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Sitting on a lawn under a shade tree, 87-year-old Ron Nelson graciously obliged when asked by yet another stranger for his recollection of that day.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"The issue is not that the government is obliged to support the trust's memorial," Sir William says.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• compelled 
• duty-bound 
• enslaved 
• indebted 
• obligated