Spanish Conversation · Level 25
89 words
Spanish word
obligar
Pronunciation
IPA/oβliˈɣaɾ/
Meaning
- verbforce
Example
Mi hermano me obligó a ayudar.
My brother forced me to help.
More examples
La empresa me obligó a firmar el contrato.
The company forced me to sign the contract.
Core concept
An imposed duty pressing on someone.
Common phrases
obligar a firmar
force to sign
obligar a + infinitivo
force to + infinitive
Similar words
forzar: Applies physical force or strong pressure to compel someone to act.
hacer: Causes someone to perform an action.
imponer: Unilaterally enacts rules or conditions and requires others to follow them.
exigir: Firmly demands that someone meet a requirement or fulfill an obligation.
Definition in Spanish
Imponer a alguien una obligación o un mandato que debe cumplir, obligándole directa o indirectamente.
Word origin
From Latin obligare 'to bind', formed from ob- 'to' and ligare 'to bind', with the sense shifting from 'tie' to imposing an obligation.
Usage tips
- When reflexive, obligarse a + infinitive often signals a personal commitment or promise rather than external coercion.
Other meanings
- compelverb
- coerceverb
- obligateverb
Related words
- obligaciónobligationnoun
- obligatoriomandatoryadjective
- obligadoforcedadjective