ob ‧ li ‧ gat ‧ e /ˈɒbləɡeɪt, ˈɒblɪɡeɪt $ ˈɑːb-/ BrE AmE 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 SYN 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 SYN 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