obligate
verb [ T ]
US formal uk/ˈɒblɪɡeɪt/ us LAW
to force someone to do something:
be obligated to do sth The company was obligated to make compensation for damages.
obligate sb/sth to do sth The law doesn't obligate districts to enroll older students.
be legally/morally obligated Employers are legally obligated to inform employees about benefits.
Compare
oblige
FINANCE
to officially state that money will be used to pay for something:
The centre is authorized to obligate funds.
obligate funds/money/$20 million, etc. for sth The agency has obligated $388 million for specific recovery projects in the area.