English verb: oblige | |||
1. | oblige (social) force somebody to do something | ||
Samples | We compel all students to fill out this form. | ||
Examples | They oblige him to write the letter | ||
Synonyms | compel, obligate | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody to INFINITIVE | ||
Broader (hypernym) | cause, get, have, induce, make, stimulate | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | apply, clamor, coerce, condemn, enforce, enforce, force, force, hale, implement, impose, pressure, shame, squeeze, thrust, walk | ||
Cause | act, move | ||
2. | oblige (communication) bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted | ||
Samples | He's held by a contract. I'll hold you by your promise. | ||
Synonyms | bind, hold, obligate | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody. Something ----s somebody. Somebody ----s somebody to INFINITIVE | ||
Broader (hypernym) | relate | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | article, indent, indenture, pledge, tie down | ||
3. | oblige (communication) provide a service or favor for someone | ||
Samples | We had to oblige him. | ||
Synonyms | accommodate | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody | ||
Broader (hypernym) | abide by, comply, follow | ||
Antonyms | disoblige | ||