obliged
Americanadjective
-
bound by duty, ethics, or politeness.
You can bring something to share at the picnic, but please don't feel obliged.
-
forced by law, regulation, or necessity.
All students are obliged to participate in an internship program.
-
appreciative or grateful.
If you could shed some light on this mystery, I'd be obliged.
verb
idioms
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of obliged
Explanation
Someone who is obliged is bound to follow through on whatever is expected of him. Every April you are obliged or expected to submit your taxes. If you don't, the IRS is obliged to charge you with tax evasion. Ouch. The word obliged comes from the Latin ligare meaning "to bind." Obliged typically refers to a moral or legal obligation or responsibility. If you're being followed by an ambulance with its siren on, you are obliged to pull to the side of the road and let it pass. In some cultures, women are obliged to cover their heads.
Vocabulary lists containing obliged
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
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!
The Importance of Being Earnest
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!
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
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.
The risk of cryptosporidium meant residents in some parts of Rhondda Cynon Taf have been obliged to boil their tap water before drinking, cooking or brushing teeth since last Friday.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
If included, passive fund managers who are obliged to buy shares in companies included in the index will form a major source of demand for SpaceX stock.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026
Almodóvar says he felt obliged to say something, but also notes that he can return to Spain where he lives and works.
From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026
Buy the biggest, most obvious stocks that the large passive funds will be obliged to invest in because, if the theme works, these heavyweights will make money rather, the advice goes.
From MarketWatch • May 7, 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
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.
