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

A person who is detained under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act is legally obliged to provide the password or Pin for electronic devices.

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A person who is detained under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act is legally obliged provide the password or Pin for electronic devices.

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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.

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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.

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

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Related Words

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