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 ( def ).

Other Words From

• o·blig·ed·ly [uh, -, blahy, -jid-lee], adverb
• o·blig·ed·ness noun
• un·o·bliged 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

He positioned himself as the man who wanted to take all the flak, to protect his players, and former players and pundits obliged.

From BBC

The appeals court judge said that companies such as Shell were obliged to contribute to combating climate change based on the human right to protection against dangerous climate change.

From BBC

The individual would be allowed to change their mind at any time and no doctors would be obliged to take part in the process.

From BBC

It’s unfair to say I’m obliged to open an email and open an attachment and read it.”

From BBC

An ad reminding women that they can vote differently from their partners — and aren't obliged to tell them about it — appears to be touching on a very real phenomenon.

From Salon

Related Words

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