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

Some is gossip she’s obliged to dispel, including one about the secret baby she was alleged to have had with DeBarge during their very short, doomed marriage.

From Salon

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

Shared owners are also leaseholders and, while they may only own a small share of the property, they are obliged to pay 100% of the service charges.

From BBC

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

The world has regularly obliged by rushing to buy Treasury debt at a lower yield than before the calamity because of the risk-free securities’ haven status.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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