Word: Oblige

Pronunciation

/əˈblaɪʒ/

Definitions

• Verb: (1) To do a favor for someone or be kind enough to fulfill a request, often out of a sense of duty or courtesy. For example: “Could you oblige me by lending me your pen?”
  • (2) To force or compel someone to do something, often against their will or inclination. For example: “The new law obliges companies to disclose their financial records annually.”
  • (3) To make it necessary or required; as in “The circumstances obliged us to take immediate action.”

Phrases

• “Oblige someone with something”: To give or do something for someone as a favor. Example: “She was obliged him with some information he needed.”
• “Be obliged”: To feel grateful or indebted to someone for a service or favor. Example: “I’ll be much obliged if you could help me move the furniture.”

Example Sentences

• Verb (favor): “Your assistance would really oblige me; I’m in desperate need of a ride to the airport.”
• Verb (compel): “The terms of the contract obliged them to complete the project within a strict deadline.”
• Verb (make necessary): “The urgency of the situation obliged us to adapt our strategy quickly.”

Synonyms

• Accommodate
• Assist
• Favor
• Help
• Aid
• Compel
• Force
• Require
• Bind (in the sense of making something mandatory)