1. To compel, bind, or otherwise force one to do something out of a moral or legal obligation. You cannot obligate your employees to put themselves in harm's way. It's simply not the case that pregnancy obligates a couple to get married any longer.

2. To compel, bind, or otherwise force one remain with or loyal to a particular person, group, company, etc. I just feel like the personal favors my bosses have done for me obligates me to them in some way. The fact of the matter is that your paternity obligates you financially to the baby's mother until the child reaches 18 years of age.