adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE, oft ADJECTIVE to-infinitive]
If you feel obligated to do something, you feel that it is your duty to do it. If you are obligated to someone, you feel that it is your duty to look after them.
[formal]
I felt obligated to let him read the letter.
He had got a girl pregnant and felt obligated to her and the child. [+ to]
Synonyms: obliged, forced, required, bound More Synonyms of obligated
obligated in British English
(ˈɒblɪɡeɪtɪd)
adjective formal
1.
having the feeling that it is one's duty to do something, or that one is legally bound to do it
obligated to fulfil the contract
2.
having the feeling that it is one's duty to look after or do something for someone
I always feel so obligated to Lorna
I know she can afford to buy me presents, but I always feel so obligated to her.
Examples of 'obligated' in a sentence
obligated
However, they were obligated to pay off the face amount of the claim and have already done so.
Terman, Douglas CORMORANT
It was full of important stuff that an up-to-date attorney was truly obligated to know.
Tapply, William G A RODENT OF DOUBT
Anyway, after they had found the bug in her flat, he felt himself obligated, almost coerced into frankness.
Thomas, Craig THE LAST RAVEN
(adjective)
Definition
being morally or legally bound to do something
I wonder why they feel obligated to work such punishing hours.