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.

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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

Network Rail, as the operator, is obliged to respond to her report by 31 March with details and a timetable of plans for action.

From BBC

But what does this really mean for Charu, who is obliged by the death of her mother to take up the housekeeping?

From The Wall Street Journal

Officials tasked with promoting virtue "are obliged to implement the Islamic system", he said.

From Barron's

But it has previously taken the position that it is obliged to issue passports to citizens who present themselves at an Australian embassy.

From BBC

But in this connection, I feel obliged to call attention to an unjustly neglected book issued in 2015 by an obscure Ohio publisher.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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