obligar
verb
1. to force, compel a + infinitivo
forcing someone
Common combinations
- obligar por la fuerza — to force by using force
- Me obligaron a salir.They forced me to leave.
- No puedes obligarla a venir.You can't force her to come.
- El jefe obligó a los empleados a trabajar el domingo.The boss forced the employees to work on Sunday.
2. to require, oblige a + infinitivo
imposing a duty
Common combinations
- obligar por ley — to require by law
- obligar por contrato — to bind by contract
- La ley obliga a llevar casco.The law requires people to wear a helmet.
- El contrato obliga a las dos partes.The contract binds both parties.
- Esta norma obliga a los comercios a cerrar temprano.This rule requires shops to close early.
Same root
obligaciónobligatorio