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

Small town newspapers write about local politics and corruption that national outlets aren’t obliged to cover.

From Salon

He did not confirm who would be obliged to acquire a digital ID if the government does go ahead with the scheme.

From BBC

The UN has said Israel is obliged under international humanitarian law to ensure food and medical supplies for Gaza's population.

From BBC

The UN has said the famine is a "man-made disaster" and said Israel is obliged under international humanitarian law to ensure food and medical supplies for Gaza's population.

From BBC

Wei called his Chinese contact "Big Brother Andy" and obliged requests to keep their relationship secret by using multiple encrypted apps to communicate and accept payments.

From BBC

Related Words

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