French Conversation · Level 52
75 words
French word
obliger
Pronunciation
IPA/obliʒe/
Meaning
- verbforce
Example
Il m'oblige à venir.
He forces me to come.
More examples
Cette loi oblige les entreprises à réduire leurs émissions.
This law forces companies to reduce their emissions.
Core concept
A duty is placed on someone from outside, making refusal or an alternative difficult.
Common phrases
obliger quelqu'un à faire quelque chose
force someone to do something
s'obliger à faire quelque chose
force oneself to do something
Similar words
forcer: Use force or pressure to make someone do something.
imposer: Require someone to accept particular terms, conditions, or opinions.
contraindre: Compel someone to act because of laws, rules, or circumstances.
exiger: Make a strong demand based on a right or a pressing need.
Definition in French
Imposer à une personne une obligation ou une action, sans lui laisser normalement le choix.
Word origin
Obliger developed from the Latin verb obligare through Old French, preserving the older idea of binding someone to a duty.
Usage tips
- In être obligé de venir, obligé agrees with the subject and de is followed by the infinitive, unlike the active à construction.
Related words
- obligationobligationnoun
- obligatoireobligatoryadjective
- obligéobligedadjective