oblige

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o·blige / əˈblīj/ • v. [tr.] make (someone) legally or morally bound to an action or course of action: doctors are obliged by law to keep patients alive while there is a chance of recovery. ∎  [tr.] do as (someone) asks or desires in order to help or please them: oblige me by not being sorry for yourself | [intr.] 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. ∎  [tr.] archaic bind (someone) by an oath, promise, or contract.DERIVATIVES: o·blig·er n.

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