oblige

o-blige · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To make someone legally or morally bound to do something.

  2. 2.

    To do something as a favor or service for someone.

  3. 3.

    To create a sense of gratitude or indebtedness in someone.

Phrases & expressions

  • much obliged — a formal expression of thanks
  • happy to oblige — willing to help

Related words

Antonyms: free, refuse, release
See also: help, obligation, obliged

Etymology

From Old French obliger, from Latin obligare ("to bind, tie up"), from ob- ("to, toward") + ligare ("to bind").