obligated

/ˈɑbləˌɡeɪtɪd/

It could be going to a baby shower, buying someone lunch, or turning in your research paper by Tuesday. If you have to do it — even if you'd rather not — then you’re obligated.

Obligated can mean that you have to do something because the law or the rules say that you do. For example, you’re obligated to pay your taxes by April 15. It can also mean that you just feel like you need to do something because it’s the right thing to do or because you feel like you owe someone. You’re obligated to go to your best friend’s birthday party, even though you’d rather be out with your new boyfriend.

Definitions of obligated

1. adjective

   caused by law or conscience to follow a certain course
   “felt obligated to repay the kindness”

   “was obligated to pay off the student loan”

   synonyms:

   beholden

   under a moral obligation to someone

   duty-bound, obliged

   under a moral obligation to do something

   indebted

   owing gratitude or recognition to another for help or favors etc

   indebted

   under a legal obligation to someone

   supposed

   required or under orders

   tributary

   paying tribute

   responsible

   worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable

   antonyms:

   unobligated

   not obligated

   unbeholden

   free of moral obligation