| Obligate 1. (v. t.) To place under moral or legal duty; to hold by a constraining motive; as to obligate one to donate. 2. (v. t.) To bind or firmly hold to an act; to compel; to constrain; to bind to any act of duty or courtesy by a formal pledge. Thesaurus Entries accept obligation, agree to, answer for, be answerable for, be responsible for, be security for, bind, commit, compel, constrain, contract, engage, force, go bail for, have an understanding, make imperative, make incumbent, oblige, pledge, require, saddle with, shake hands on, take the vows, tie, undertake |