oblige
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.oblige
verb \ə-ˈblīj\obligedoblig·ing
Definition of OBLIGE
transitive verb
1
: to constrain by physical, moral, or legal force or by the exigencies of circumstance <obliged to find a job>
2
a : to put in one's debt by a favor or service <we are much obliged for your help> b : to do a favor for <always ready to oblige a friend>
intransitive verb
: to do something as or as if as a favor
— oblig·er noun
See Examples of OBLIGE
- The law obliges the government to release certain documents to the public.
- Her job obliges her to work overtime and on weekends.
- She's always ready to oblige her friends.
- “Thank you for your help.” “I'm happy to oblige.”
- They asked for food and he obliged with soup and sandwiches.
Origin of OBLIGE
Middle English, from Anglo-French obliger, from Latin obligare, literally, to bind to, from ob- toward + ligare to bind — more at ligature
First Known Use: 14th century
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