obligate

[ verb ob-li-geyt; adjective ob-li-git, -geyt ]
/ verb ˈɒb lɪˌgeɪt; adjective ˈɒb lɪ gɪt, -ˌgeɪt /

verb (used with object), ob·li·gat·ed, ob·li·gat·ing.

to bind or oblige morally or legally: to obligate oneself to purchase a building.
to pledge, commit, or bind (funds, property, etc.) to meet an obligation.

adjective

morally or legally bound; obliged; constrained.
necessary; essential.
Biology. restricted to a particular condition of life, as certain organisms that can survive only in the absence of oxygen: obligate anaerobe (opposed to facultative).

Origin of obligate

1400–50; late Middle English obligat (adj.) < Latin obligātus (past participle of obligāre to bind), equivalent to ob- ob- + ligātus; see ligate

OTHER WORDS FROM obligate

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH obligate

obligate oblige

British Dictionary definitions for non-obligated

obligate
/ (ˈɒblɪˌɡeɪt) /

verb

to compel, constrain, or oblige morally or legally
(in the US) to bind (property, funds, etc) as security

adjective

compelled, bound, or restricted
biology able to exist under only one set of environmental conditions an obligate parasite cannot live independently of its host Compare facultative (def. 4)

Derived forms of obligate

obligable, adjective obligative, adjective obligator, noun

Word Origin for obligate

C16: from Latin obligāre to oblige

Medical definitions for non-obligated

obligate
[ ŏblĭ-gĭt, -gāt′ ]

adj.

Able to exist or survive only in a particular environment or by assuming a particular role.

Scientific definitions for non-obligated

obligate
[ ŏblĭ-gĭt, -gāt′ ]

Capable of existing only in a particular environment or by assuming a particular role. An obligate aerobe, such as certain bacteria, can live only in the presence of oxygen. An obligate parasite cannot survive independently of its host. Compare facultative.