26984 words

oblige

6 definitions • 12 examples
1
to force someone to do something, or to make it necessary for someone to do something:

Examples:

The law obliges companies to pay decent wages to their employees.
The law does not obligate sellers to accept the highest offer.
2
to please or help someone, especially by doing something they have asked you to do:

Examples:

We only went to the party to oblige some old friends who asked us to be there.
We needed a guide and he was only too happy to oblige.
3
to force or make it expected for someone to do something:

Examples:

Circumstances obliged him to leave town.
4
to please or help someone, esp. by doing something the person has asked you to do:

Examples:

[ I ] We needed a guide and he was only too happy to oblige.
5
to force someone to do something, or to make it necessary for someone to do something:

Examples:

6
to please or help someone, especially by doing something they have asked you to do:

Examples:

He went to the conference to oblige his boss.
We needed some help with our accounts and she was only too happy to oblige.

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