obligate

[ob-li-geyt, ob-li-git, -geyt]

verb (used with object)

obligated, obligating 

1. to bind or oblige morally or legally.

   to obligate oneself to purchase a building.

2. to pledge, commit, or bind (funds, property, etc.) to meet an obligation.

adjective

1. morally or legally bound; obliged; constrained.

2. necessary; essential.

3. Biology.,  restricted to a particular condition of life, as certain organisms that can survive only in the absence of oxygen (facultative ).

   obligate anaerobe.

obligate

/ ˈɒblɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to compel, constrain, or oblige morally or legally

2. (in the US) to bind (property, funds, etc) as security

adjective

1. compelled, bound, or restricted

2. biology able to exist under only one set of environmental conditions Compare facultative

   an obligate parasite cannot live independently of its host

obligate

1. Capable of existing only in a particular environment or by assuming a particular role. An obligate aerobe, such as certain bacteria, can live only in the presence of oxygen. An obligate parasite cannot survive independently of its host.

2. Compare facultative

Other Word Forms

• obligable adjective
• obligator noun
• preobligate verb (used with object)
• reobligate verb (used with object)
• obligative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obligate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English obligat, from Latin obligātus (past participle of obligāre “to bind”), equivalent to ob- + ligātus; ob-, ligate

Word History and Origins

Origin of obligate¹

C16: from Latin obligāre to _oblige

Example Sentences

The portion, which the authority is obligated to prioritize unless the legislature says otherwise, will cost nearly $37 billion.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Donaldson said she feels obligated to tell families about myopia management and that the College of Optometrists has said it is "best practise and we should be advising and telling our patients about it".

From BBC

But it does not obligate the IOC to make changes, cancel or assume liability.

From Los Angeles Times

The funding for the program had already been fully obligated and contracts for all recipients were signed, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The government - which is legally obligated to house destitute asylum seekers - says its new "Failure to Travel" guidance would establish "clear consequences for those who game the system".

From BBC

Related Words

• constrain 
• oblige