oblige

[ uh-blahyj ]

verb (used with object)

, o·bliged, o·blig·ing.

1. to require or constrain, as by law, command, conscience, or force of necessity.

   Synonyms: force, compel

2. to bind morally or legally, as by a promise or contract.

   Synonyms: obligate

3. to place under a debt of gratitude for some benefit, favor, or service:

   I'm much obliged for the ride.

4. to put (one) in a debt of gratitude, as by a favor or accommodation:

   Mr. Weems will oblige us with a song.

5. to make (an action, policy, etc.) necessary or obligatory:

   Your carelessness obliges firmness on my part.

verb (used without object)

, o·bliged, o·blig·ing.

1. to be kindly accommodating:

   I'll do anything within reason to oblige.

oblige

/ əˈblaɪdʒ /

verb

1. tr; often passive to bind or constrain (someone to do something) by legal, moral, or physical means
2. tr; usually passive to make indebted or grateful (to someone) by doing a favour or service

   we are obliged to you for dinner

3. to do a service or favour to (someone)

   she obliged the guest with a song

Derived Forms

• oˈbliger, noun

Other Words From

• o·blig·er noun
• pre·o·blige verb (used with object) preobliged preobliging
• re·o·blige verb (used with object) reobliged reobliging

Word History and Origins

Origin of oblige¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English obligen, from Old French obligier, from Latin obligāre “to bind”; obligate

Word History and Origins

Origin of oblige¹

C13: from Old French obliger, from Latin obligāre, from ob- to, towards + ligāre to bind

Synonym Study

Oblige, accommodate imply making a gracious and welcome gesture of some kind. Oblige emphasizes the idea of conferring a favor or benefit (and often of taking some trouble to do it): to oblige someone with a loan. Accommodate emphasizes doing a service or furnishing a convenience: to accommodate someone with lodgings and meals.

Example Sentences

When her friends and clients ask her for beauty tips, she’s happy to oblige.

From Los Angeles Times

If industry talk is more your thing, Pacino tries to oblige.

From Los Angeles Times

When a tech baron like Ballmer wants it, state legislators and Newsom seem more than happy to oblige.

From Los Angeles Times

Membership of the single market would oblige the UK to accept freedom of movement – where citizens of any members of it can move freely between member countries.

From BBC

Once again, Rodriguez was happy to oblige.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bind
• compel
• constrain
• impel
• obligate