obligates; obligated; obligating
: to make (a person or organization) do something because the law requires it or because it is the right thing to do
The contract obligates the firm to complete the work in six weeks.
—usually used as (be) obligatedYou are legally obligated to repay the loan. = You are obligated by law to repay the loan.
I feel obligated to return his call.
Cite this Entry
“Obligate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/obligate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.
Copy Citation
