əˈblaɪdʒ v. 1 tr. (foll. by to + infin.)
constrain,
compel. 2 tr. be
binding on. 3 tr. a
make indebted by conferring a
favour. b (foll. by
with, or by +
verbal noun)
gratify (oblige me by leaving). c
perform a service
for (often absol.: will
you oblige?). 4 tr. (in
passive; foll. by to) be indebted (am obliged to you for
your help). 5 intr. colloq. (foll. by with) make a
contribution of a specified kind (Doris obliged with a song). 6 tr.
archaic or
Law (foll. by
to, or to + infin.)
bind by
oath,
promise,
contract, etc. ømuch obliged an
expression of thanks. øøobliger n. [ME f. OF obliger f. L obligare (as
OB-, ligare bind)]