oblige

[əˈblaɪdʒ]

oblige Definition

• 1. to require or constrain someone to do something as a legal or moral duty
• 2. to do something as a favor or courtesy

Using oblige: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "oblige" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The law obliges companies to provide a safe working environment.

• Example

  I am obliged to report this incident to the authorities.

• Example

  Could you oblige me by holding the door open?

• Example

  He obliged his friend by lending him some money.

oblige Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for oblige

• compel
• constrain
• require
• mandate
• force

Antonyms for oblige

• disobey
• refuse
• deny

Idioms Using oblige

• feel obliged

  to feel grateful or indebted to someone

  Example

  I feel obliged to thank you for your help.

• oblige oneself

  to make a promise or commitment to do something

  Example

  I have obliged myself to finish this project by the end of the week.

• oblige someone's request

  to fulfill or satisfy someone's request or demand

  Example

  The hotel staff obliged our request for a late check-out.

Phrases with oblige

• much obliged

  a polite way of saying thank you

  Example

  Much obliged for your help.

• be obliged to

  to be required or forced to do something

  Example

  I am obliged to attend the meeting.

• oblige someone with something

  to do something for someone as a favor or courtesy

  Example

  Could you oblige me with a glass of water?

Origins of oblige

from Old French 'obliger', meaning 'to bind'

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Summary: oblige in Brief

'Oblige' [əˈblaɪdʒ] means to require or constrain someone to do something as a legal or moral duty, or to do something as a favor or courtesy. It can be used in formal contexts such as 'The law obliges companies to provide a safe working environment,' or in informal situations like 'Could you oblige me by holding the door open?' The phrase 'much obliged' is a polite way of saying thank you.