oblige
v.v. to force someone to do something because it is a law, a rule, or a duty. It can also mean to do a small favor for someone because they asked you.
v. to constrain by physical, moral, or legal force or by the requirements of circumstance. Also used to describe performing a service or favor for someone.
The law obliges parents to send their children to school.
The contract obliges the company to provide health insurance for all full-time employees starting next month.
While the treaty does not strictly oblige member states to intervene militarily, it creates a strong diplomatic expectation that they will offer logistical support during a crisis.
From Middle English obligen, from Old French obligier, obliger, from Latin obligō, obligāre, from ob- + ligō. Doublet of obligate, taken straight from Latin.
Often used in the passive voice ('to be obliged to'). When meaning 'to do a favor', it can be used intransitively.
The rain obliged me staying homeThe rain obliged me to stay homeWhen used to mean 'force', this verb must be followed by an object and a 'to-infinitive', not a gerund.