oblige
Translation
to oblige, to compel, to accommodate, to force
Examples
The law obliges companies to pay this tax.
The law obliges companies to pay this tax.
He was happy to oblige her with a ride.
He was happy to oblige her with a ride.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((to-inf)) to force or require (sb.) to do (sth.) The law obliges companies to pay this tax.
((sb.)) <((with sth.))> to do a favour for (sb.) He was happy to oblige her with a ride.
Similar Words
Synonyms: compel, require, force, accommodate, help
Etymology
From Latin 'obligare' (to bind), from 'ob-' (to) + 'ligare' (to bind).
Memory Tips
It has two main meanings: 1) to force someone (bind them to an action) and 2) to do a favour (bind someone to you with kindness).