Main Entry: owe

Pronunciation: \ˈō\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): owed; ow·ing

Etymology: Middle English, to possess, own, owe, from Old English āgan; akin to Old High German eigun (1st & 3d plural present indicative) possess, Sanskrit īśe he possesses

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 a archaic : possess, own b : to have or bear (an emotion or attitude) to someone or something <owes the boss a grudge>
2 a (1) : to be under obligation to pay or repay in return for something received : be indebted in the sum of <owes me $5> (2) : to be under obligation to render (as duty or service) <I owe you a favor> b : to be indebted to <owes the grocer for supplies>
3 : to be indebted for <owed his wealth to his father> <owes much to good luck>intransitive verb 1 : to be in debt <owes for his house>
2 : to be attributable <an idea that owes to Greek philosophy>

— owe it : to have a responsibility to do something to satisfy an obligation or duty <owes it to voters to explain his reasons>