obliged
UK: əˈblaɪdʒd | US: əˈblaɪdʒd
adj. feeling or expressing gratitude or indebtedness
vt. (past tense of "oblige") to compel or require someone to do something legally or morally
The word "oblige" traces back to Latin obligare, reflecting the idea of binding someone to a duty or favor. Over time, it evolved in Old French as obliger, entering Middle English with the sense of moral or legal compulsion. The past participle "obliged" retains this dual meaning—both the act of being bound (to a duty) and the resulting feeling of gratitude.
She felt obliged to help her neighbor after the storm.
The contract obliged him to complete the project by December.
"Much obliged!" he said, tipping his hat in thanks.
Parents are obliged by law to send their children to school.
He was obliged to apologize for his mistake.