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Definition of obliged

obliged

/əˈblaɪdʒd/
o · bliged
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obliged Lexical Profile

obliged Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Bound or compelled by moral duty, legal requirement, or physical necessity to do something.

Example

"Witnesses are legally obliged to report any relevant information to the authorities."

2

Grateful or indebted to someone for a favor, service, or kindness.

Example

"We are much obliged to you for your generous assistance during the move."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for obliged
Antonyms
View all antonyms for obliged

Word Nuance & Usage

As an adjective, 'obliged' is used strictly in predicate position after a linking verb (e.g., 'I felt obliged to attend' or 'I am much obliged'). In the sense of being grateful, it is followed by 'to' for a person and 'for' for an action or thing.

• Nearby Words

obligatorily
obligatory
oblige
obliged
obliging
obligingly
obligingness

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the past participle of the verb 'oblige', which entered Middle English via Old French 'obligier', from Latin 'obligare' meaning 'to bind or pledge', formed from 'ob-' (to, toward) and 'ligare' (to bind).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Obliged. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/obliged
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