obliged
v.v. feeling that you must do something because it is the right thing to do or because of a rule. You might also feel this way when someone does you a favor and you want to say thank you.
v. legally or morally bound to an action or course of conduct. Often used in the phrase 'much obliged' as a formal expression of gratitude.
I felt obliged to help him after he was so kind to me.
Employers are legally obliged to provide a safe working environment for all their staff members.
While not strictly required by the contract, the architect felt morally obliged to oversee the final installation to ensure the design's integrity was maintained.
See oblige. Compare obligated.
Commonly followed by a 'to' infinitive ('obliged to do') or used as a predicative adjective after a linking verb.
I am obligate to goI am obliged to goLearners often confuse the adjective 'obliged' with the verb 'obligate'; 'obliged' is the standard form for expressing personal or legal necessity.