obligate

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ob·li·gate • v. / ˈäbliˌgāt/ 1. bind or compel (someone), esp. legally or morally: the medical establishment is obligated to take action in the best interest of the public.2. [tr.] commit (assets) as security: the money must be obligated within thirty days.• adj. / ˈäbligit/ Biol. restricted to a particular function or mode of life: an obligate intracellular parasite. Often contrasted with facultative.DERIVATIVES: ob·li·ga·tor / -ˌgātər/ n.

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