Oblige
/əˈblaɪdʒ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo be legally or morally bound to do something; to require or compel.
/əˈblaɪdʒ/
To make someone legally or morally bound to do something.
The law obliges citizens to pay taxes.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend asks you to help them move. You feel like you *have* to help, because you promised. That feeling of needing to do something because you feel it’s right, is *oblige*! Example: "The babysitter was *obliged* to stay until the parents returned."
👶 For kids: To make someone have to do something, like a rule or promise.
More Examples
Her sense of duty obliged her to help the injured.
The teacher felt obliged to give extra help to struggling students.
How It's Used
"The contract obliges the company to provide services for five years."
"Politeness obliges us to respond to invitations."
To do as someone asks or desires; to assist or help.
/əˈblaɪdʒ/
To do a favor or service for someone.
The company was happy to oblige the client’s request.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend asks you if you can take their shift. You say, “Sure, I’d be happy to *oblige*!” It means you’re willingly doing something nice for them. Example: “The hotel staff were always happy to *oblige* our requests.”
👶 For kids: To help someone do something nice.
More Examples
He obliged his friend by driving her to the airport.
I would be obliged if you could provide more information.
How It's Used
"I would be happy to oblige your request."
"The waiter obliged the customer's request for a different table."
Idioms & expressions
to oblige someone with something
To give someone something they want or need.
"She obliged the audience with an encore."
obliged to
Required or compelled to do something
"I felt obliged to help."
From Middle French obliger, from Latin obligare ('to bind, oblige').
The word "oblige" has been used since the 15th century, evolving from its original meaning of 'to bind' to its current meanings.
Memory tip
Think of a 'blige' as a bridge: the contract 'obliges' the company to build the bridge.
Word Origin
"to bind"