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