English▸ verb [with object and infinitive] make (someone) legally or morally bound to do something:
doctors are obliged by law to keep patients alive while there is a chance of recovery.
▪ [with object] do as (someone) asks or desires in order to help or please them:
oblige me by not being sorry for yourself
[no object] tell me what you want to know and I'll see if I can oblige.
▪ (be obliged) be indebted or grateful:
if you can give me a few minutes of your time I'll be much obliged.
▪ [with object] archaic bind (someone) by an oath, promise, or contract:
my father had obliged me to the improvement of my stock.
– ORIGIN Middle English (in the sense ‘bind by oath’): from Old French obliger, from Latin obligare, from ob- ‘towards’ + ligare ‘to bind’.