obligate

  1. Verb.  (transitive) To bind, compel, or constrain by a social, legal, or moral tie. See Synonyms at force.
  2. Verb.  (transitive) To cause to be grateful or indebted; to oblige.
  3. Verb.  (transitive) To commit (money, for example) in order to fulfill an obligation.
  4. Adjective.  (biology) Able to exist or survive only in a particular environment or by assuming a particular role: ''an obligate parasite; an obligate anaerobe. ''.
  5. Adjective.  Absolutely indispensable; essential.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.