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obligate (v.)
1540s, "to bind, fasten, connect," the literal sense of the Latin word, now obsolete in English; 1660s in the main modern sense of "to put under moral obligation;" a back-formation from obligation, or else from Latin obligatus, past participle of obligare "to bind, bind up, bandage," figuratively "put under obligation" (see oblige). Oblige, with which it has been confused since late 17c., means "to do one a favor." Related: Obligated; obligating.
updated on July 25, 2019
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Definitions of obligate from WordNet
Dictionary entries near obligate
objet
objurgate
objurgation
oblate
oblation
obligate
obligation
obligatory
oblige
obliged
obligee