1. make (someone) legally or morally bound to an action or course of action: "doctors are obliged by law to keep patients alive while there is a chance of recovery"Similarrequirecompelbindmakeconstrainobligateforceput under an obligationleave someone no optionimpelcoercepressurepressurize
▪ do as (someone) asks or desires in order to help or please them: "oblige me by not being sorry for yourself"Similardo someone a favordo someone a kindnessdo someone a serviceaccommodateindulgegratifygratify the wishes ofhelpassistservehumormeet the wants/needs ofput oneself out forbe kind enough to
▪ be indebted or grateful: "if you can give me a few minutes of your time I'll be much obliged"
▪ bind (someone) by an oath, promise, or contract:"my father had obliged me to the improvement of my stock"
Word OriginMiddle English (in the sense ‘bind by oath’): from Old French obliger, from Latin obligare, from ob- ‘towards’ + ligare ‘to bind’.