obligate

 

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɒblɪgeɪt/
  • 1 [with object and infinitive] require or compel (someone) to undertake a legal or moral duty: the medical establishment is obligated to take action in the best interest of the public
  • 2 [with object] US commit (assets) as security: the money must be obligated within 30 days

adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɒblɪgət/
[attributive] Biology
  • restricted to a particular function or mode of life: an obligate intracellular parasiteOften contrasted with facultative.

Derivatives

obligator

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (as an adjective in the sense 'bound by law'): from Latin obligatus, past participle of obligare (see oblige). The current adjectival use dates from the late 19th century