obrigar

Senses

1. 1.

   to force, to compel, to oblige

   to make someone do something against their will or by necessity

2. 2.

   to require, to obligate

   to impose a duty or legal obligation on someone

3. 3.

   to force oneself

   reflexive: to make oneself do something difficult or unpleasant

Examples

• "Ninguém pode te obrigar a fazer isso."

  No one can force you to do that.

• "A lei obriga as empresas a pagar impostos."

  The law requires companies to pay taxes.

• "Ela se obrigou a estudar todos os dias para passar no vestibular."

  She forced herself to study every day to pass the college entrance exam.

Usage

Commonly used with the preposition "a" before an infinitive verb (obrigar alguém a fazer algo). The reflexive form "obrigar-se" means to force or commit oneself to something. Very common in both formal and informal contexts.