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oblige

verb
USuh-BLYJ/əˈblaɪd͡ʒ/

Formsobliges, obliging, obliged

3 meanings of oblige

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To make someone do something because of a rule, a law, or a strong duty.

    Like a game rule that every player must follow, whether they like it or not.

    The new rules oblige drivers to wear seat belts at all times.

    Her promise obliged her to stay until the work was finished.

    Similarcompel, force, require

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive or intransitive
    To do something kind or helpful for someone, often because they asked you to.

    If you need a ride to the airport, I'm sure Dad will oblige you.

    The fans asked the singer for one more song, and she happily obliged.

    Similarhelp, accommodate, assist

    Oppositerefuse

    Note
  3. 3
    verbintransitive
    To owe someone thanks because they helped you or did something kind.

    I'm much obliged to you for fixing my bike.

    We were obliged to the neighbors who fed our cat all week.

    Note

Practice

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Origin

It came from Latin "obligare," made from "ob-" plus "ligo," and reached English through Old French.