obligate
UK: /ˈɒblɪɡeɪt/ | US: /ˈɑːblɪɡeɪt/
vt. to bind legally or morally; compel someone to act in a certain way
adj. restricted to a particular function or mode of life (e.g., "an obligate parasite")
obligate = ob<toward> + lig<bind> + ate<verb suffix>
- ob (Latin ob-): "toward, against"
- lig (Latin ligare): "to bind" (seen in "ligament," "obligation")
- ate: verb-forming suffix indicating action
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin obligatus (past participle of obligare), combining ob- (intensifying direction) + ligare ("to bind"). The word originally conveyed the idea of binding someone through a promise or legal duty, later expanding to biological contexts (e.g., organisms "bound" to specific conditions).
The contract obligates both parties to confidentiality.
Some bacteria are obligate anaerobes and cannot survive in oxygen.
Parents are morally obligated to care for their children.
The treaty obligates nations to reduce carbon emissions.
She felt obligated to repay the favor.