obliged

American  

[uh-blahyjd] / əˈblaɪdʒd /

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.

idioms

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

   Much obliged for your efforts!

Other Word Forms

• obligedly adverb
• obligedness noun
• unobliged adjective

Etymology

Origin of obliged

oblige ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Attendants ultimately had to tell Lyonne the plane wouldn’t be going anywhere until the actor got off, to which she reportedly obliged.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

She played the album nonstop: “I was known not to take requests, but now I wouldn’t even change the album. Everyone in the bar was obliged to bathe in the sounds of the future.”

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

“But of course, everyone is obliged to abide by international law.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

But away from the main crowds, some wearing loyalist uniforms whispered a different story: they are public employees, obliged to attend, and still fear speaking freely.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

“I’m sorry,” says the gate agent, not sounding sorry at all, “but as the last to purchase, I’m obliged to reschedule you to a later flight.”

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

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