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

After the jury returned its verdict, High Court judge Mr Justice Neil Garnham told Jeff: "I am obliged by law to impose a life sentence on you. I will have to fix a minimum term for you to serve."

From BBC

Poulain is skeptical of the addition, and thinks Buettner has been “obliged to find a new story” now that they’re not working together.

From Science Magazine

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

As a responsible person, he will be obliged to fulfill them.

From Slate

A 19-year-old student obliged and the day went down in history for fans of the currency as #BitcoinPizza day.

From BBC

Related Words

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