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

The line became one of Tolkan’s most famous, and mega-fans would flock to Comic-Cons around the country to ask the star to call them a slacker, requests he typically obliged.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The countries that are party to the CMS are legally obliged to protect species listed as at risk of extinction, conserve and restore their habitats, prevent obstacles to migration and cooperate with other range states.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 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

Ever the political pugilist who felt obliged to answer every bell, Adams refused to back away from his belief that the new American government needed a strong executive presence.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

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