ENGLISH
REFERENCE

obligated

adj.
US //ˈɑbɫəˌɡeɪtɪd// UK //ˈɒblɪɡˌeɪtɪd// ob·li·gat·ed
  1. 1 legally or morally bound (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    feeling that you must do something because of a law, a rule, or a promise.

    bound by a legal or moral tie to perform a specific action or duty.

    Example

    He felt obligated to help his neighbor move because they had been friends for years.

    Example

    The company felt obligated to provide a full refund after the technical failure disrupted the service for thousands of customers.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the pattern 'feel obligated to do something'.
    Pitfall
    I felt obligated for helping him.
    I felt obligated to help him.

    The adjective 'obligated' is followed by an infinitive ('to' + verb), not a prepositional phrase with 'for'.

  2. 2 owing a debt of gratitude (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    feeling that you should do something for someone because they helped you first.

    constrained by a social or personal sense of gratitude to return a favour.

    Example

    I felt obligated to invite her to my party since she invited me to hers.

    Example

    Having received such significant support during the primary, the candidate felt obligated to include his rival's policy suggestions in the final platform.

    Usage

    Often used when a person feels a social pressure to return a kindness.

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