Meaning & use

oblige

verb·Everyday

Last updated

To make someone legally or morally bound to do something, or to do a favor for someone.

See it in a sentence

The contract obliges both parties to give thirty days' notice.

She was happy to oblige when asked to help set up the event.

A note on using this word

The phrase 'much obliged' uses the past participle to mean simply 'thank you.'

Words with a similar meaning

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