# obligate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈɒb.lɪˌɡeɪt/ · frequency rank #48,936

## Definitions
1. To bind, compel, constrain, or oblige by a social, legal, or moral tie.
2. To cause to be grateful or indebted; to oblige.
3. To commit (money, for example) in order to fulfill an obligation.

## Etymology
First attested in 1533; borrowed from Latin obligātus, perfect passive participle of obligō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Doublet of oblige, taken through French.

## Easily confused with
- **oblige** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/obligate-vs-oblige)
- **obligated** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/obligate-vs-obligated)

## Common misspellings (11)
`boligate`, `obbligate`, `obilgate`, `oblgiate`, `obliagte`, `obligaet`, `obligatte`, `obliggate`, `obligtae`, `oblligate`, `olbigate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/obligate