ob‧li‧gat‧e /ˈɒbləɡeɪt, ˈɒblɪɡeɪt $ ˈɑːb-/ verb [transitive usually passive] especially American English
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: past participle of obligare; ⇒ oblige]

1. to make someone have to do something, because it is the law, their duty, or the right thing to do Synonym : oblige
obligate somebody to do something
Tenants are obligated to pay their rent on time.

2. be/feel obligated to feel that you must do something because it is right or because someone has done something for you Synonym : be/feel obliged
be/feel obligated to do something
Ava felt obligated to help her mother, even if it meant leaving college.
be/feel obligated to somebody
Watson felt obligated to him for the loan.
⇒ oblige

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲