obligar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

"Obligar" is a verb in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/obliˈɣaɾ/

Translation Options into English

1. To force
2. To oblige
3. To compel

Meaning and Usage

"Obligar" means to compel someone to do something, typically through force or authority. In Spanish, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and it is common in both spoken and written forms. The frequency of use is moderate; it appears often in legal texts, everyday conversations, and formal writings.

Example Sentences

1. La ley puede obligar a los ciudadanos a cumplir con sus deberes fiscales.

2. The law can force citizens to fulfill their tax obligations.

3. No me gusta obligar a mis amigos a hacer cosas que no quieren.

4. I don't like to compel my friends to do things they don't want to.

5. El jefe decidió obligar a los empleados a asistir a la reunión.

6. The boss decided to obligate the employees to attend the meeting.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Obligar" also appears in several idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are a few:

1. Obligar a alguien a tomar una decisión
2. To force someone to make a decision.

3. Ejemplo: Las circunstancias obligaron a Juan a tomar una decisión rápidamente.

   • The circumstances forced Juan to make a decision quickly.

4. Obligar a alguien a elegir entre dos opciones

5. To compel someone to choose between two options.

6. Ejemplo: El nuevo reglamento obliga a los estudiantes a elegir entre participar o no en el evento.

   • The new regulation compels students to choose whether or not to participate in the event.

7. Obligar a alguien a reconocer un error

8. To force someone to admit a mistake.

9. Ejemplo: La evidencia presentada por su abogado obligó a la otra parte a reconocer el error.

   • The evidence presented by his lawyer forced the other party to admit the mistake.

10. Obligar a la gente a adaptarse

11. To compel people to adapt.
12. Ejemplo: La pandemia obligó a la gente a adaptarse a nuevas formas de trabajo.
    • The pandemic forced people to adapt to new ways of working.

Etymology

The word "obligar" comes from the Latin "obligāre", which is composed of "ob-" (to, towards) and "ligāre" (to tie or bind). The original meaning involved the idea of binding someone to a duty or obligation.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Forzar (to force)
• Compeler (to compel)
• Obligar (to compel/oblige)

Antonyms

• Permitir (to allow)
• Desligar (to unlink or free)
• Liberar (to liberate)