Ŏb'li-gāte, v. t.

[imp. & p. p. OBLIGATED; p. pr. & vb. n. OBLIGATING.] [Lat. obligare, obligatum, from prefix ob and ligare, to bind; It. obbligare, Sp. & Pr. obligar, Fr. obliger.] 1. To bring under obligation; to hold by a constraining motive. The millions of mankind, as one vast fraternity, should feel obligated, by a sense of duty and the impulse of affection, to realize the equal rights, and to subserve the best interests, of each other. Proudfit. That's your true plan — to obligate The present minister of state. Churchill. 2. To bind or firmly hold to an act; to bind, as one's self, to any act of duty or courtesy by a formal pledge. “That they may not incline or be obligated to any vile or lowly occupations.” Landor.