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v. o·bliged, o·blig·ing, o·blig·es v.tr. 1. To compel or require (someone) to do something, as by circumstance or legality: When the power went out, we were obliged to fetch water with a bucket. The contract obliges you to meet the deadline. 2. To make indebted or grateful: I am obliged to you for your gracious hospitality. 3. To do a service or favor for: They obliged us by arriving early. v.intr. To do a service or favor: The soloist obliged with yet another encore. [Middle English obligen, from Old French obligier, from Latin obligāre : ob-, to; see OB- + ligāre, to bind; see leig- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] o·bliger n. Synonyms: oblige, accommodate, favor These verbs mean to perform a service or a courteous act for: She obliged me by keeping the personal matter quiet. My brother is accommodating me by lending me money. The singer favored the audience with an encore. See Also Synonyms at force. |
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