obligate

[ verb ob-li-geyt; adjective ob-li-git, -geyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ob·li·gat·ed, ob·li·gat·ing.

1. to bind or oblige morally or legally:

   to obligate oneself to purchase a building.

2. to pledge, commit, or bind (funds, property, etc.) to meet an obligation.

adjective

1. morally or legally bound; obliged; constrained.
2. necessary; essential.
3. Biology. restricted to a particular condition of life, as certain organisms that can survive only in the absence of oxygen ( facultative ):

   obligate anaerobe.

obligate

/ ˈɒblɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to compel, constrain, or oblige morally or legally
2. (in the US) to bind (property, funds, etc) as security

adjective

1. compelled, bound, or restricted
2. biology able to exist under only one set of environmental conditions Compare facultative

   an obligate parasite cannot live independently of its host

obligate

/ ŏb′lĭ-gĭt,-gāt′ /

1. Capable of existing only in a particular environment or by assuming a particular role. An obligate aerobe, such as certain bacteria, can live only in the presence of oxygen. An obligate parasite cannot survive independently of its host.
2. Compare facultative

Derived Forms

• ˈobligable, adjective
• ˈobliˌgator, noun
• obˈligative, adjective

Other Words From

• ob·li·ga·ble [ob, -li-g, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• ob·li·ga·tor noun
• pre·ob·li·gate verb (used with object) preobligated preobligating
• re·ob·li·gate verb (used with object) reobligated reobligating

Word History and Origins

Origin of obligate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English obligat, from Latin obligātus (past participle of obligāre “to bind”), equivalent to ob- + ligātus; ob-, ligate

Word History and Origins

Origin of obligate¹

C16: from Latin obligāre to oblige

Example Sentences

He also stresses that Muslim leaders are obligated to ensure the safety and well-being of non-combatants, including by providing food, medicine, and refuge to those not involved in the fighting.

From BBC

The court agreed with the SBA’s position that it was not legally obligated to disburse the funds.

From Los Angeles Times

Iran “considers itself entitled and obligated to defend against foreign acts of aggression,” the statement said.

From Los Angeles Times

A statement said Iran believed it was both entitled and obligated to respond to foreign acts of aggression.

From BBC

Baldwin’s attorneys argued that the actor-producer was denied his right to a fair trial because the state was obligated to turn over all evidence that could be helpful to his defense.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• constrain
• oblige