obligated
/ˈɑblɪˌɡeɪtɪd/
VERB
1. Bound by a duty or obligation
Having a legal, social, or moral responsibility that requires someone to perform a particular action or fulfill a commitment.
1.1. Legal and contractual responsibility
Bound by a contract, agreement, or legal requirement to fulfill specific duties or responsibilities.
Synonyms
- bound
- committed
- contracted
- duty-bound
- pledged
- required
- tied
- under obligation
Antonyms
- allowed
- permitted
Examples
- The signed contract obligated both parties to fulfill their respective responsibilities.
- The financial agreement obligated the borrower to make monthly repayments according to the agreed-upon schedule.
- The new company policy obligated employees to attend mandatory training sessions.
Related Words
1.2. Compelled or forced to act
Made to do something through pressure, coercion, authority, threats, or circumstances that restrict personal choice.
Synonyms
- badgered
- blackmailed
- browbeaten
- bullied
- coerced
- compelled
- constrained
- forced
- impelled
- intimidated
- pressured
- threatened
- urged
Examples
- As a member of the team, she was obligated to contribute to the collaborative project.
Related Words
- coercion
- compulsion
- duress
- intimidation
- pressure
- constraint
1.3. Causing gratitude or indebtedness
Placed in a position of gratitude or indebtedness because of a favor, assistance, or benefit received from someone.
Synonyms
- beholden
- grateful
- indebted
- thankful
- appreciative
Examples
- By accepting the award, the recipient felt obligated to deliver a heartfelt thank-you speech.
Related Words
- gratitude
- indebtedness
- favor
- reciprocity
- appreciation
1.4. Committing financial resources
Having formally committed money or financial resources to fulfill an obligation or meet an authorized expenditure.
Synonyms
- committed
- pledged
Related Words
- funding
- allocation
- appropriation
- expenditure
- financial commitment
ADJECTIVE
2. Having an obligation or commitment
Committed to fulfilling a duty, responsibility, or requirement, either because of a formal agreement or a sense of personal obligation.
2.1. Duty-bound and committed
Describing someone who is required or committed to carrying out a responsibility or fulfilling an obligation.
Synonyms
- bounden
- committed
- duty-bound
- obliged
- under obligation
Examples
- The signed contract obligated both parties to fulfill their respective responsibilities.
- The new company policy obligated employees to attend mandatory training sessions.
Related Words
- responsible
- accountable
- obligation
- commitment
- duty
2.2. Feeling indebted or beholden
Describing someone who feels grateful or indebted to another person because of assistance, kindness, or a favor received.
Synonyms
- appreciative
- beholden
- grateful
- indebted
- thankful
Examples
- By accepting the award, the recipient felt obligated to deliver a heartfelt thank-you speech.
Related Words
- gratitude
- appreciation
- indebtedness
- reciprocity