obligated

[ ob-li-gey-tid ]

adjective

1. bound by law or regulation, moral principle, duty, etc.; obliged:

   My supervisors talked with me regularly about my ambitions and struggles, not because they felt obligated, but because they truly cared.

2. (of funds, property, etc.) pledged, committed, or bound, as to meet an obligation:

   If a parent is unable to pay the obligated amount, they are free to request the court to modify the child support order.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of obligate ( def ).

Other Words From

• non·ob·li·gat·ed adjective
• qua·si-ob·li·gat·ed adjective
• un·ob·li·gat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obligated¹

First recorded in 1730–40; obligate ( def ) + -ed ²( def ); for the adjective senses; obligate ( def ) + -ed ¹( def ) for the verb sense

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

Many of these listeners want to be told that they should no longer feel obligated to challenge old-fashioned ideas about masculinity and gender—and J.D.

From Slate

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

Related Words

• compelled
• duty-bound
• enslaved
• indebted
• obliged