This is the 2382nd most frequent Catalan word.
obligar
To force or compel.
In this sentence, 'obligar' is used to indicate enforcement of an action upon someone.
L'han obligat a fer els deures.
They forced him to do his homework.
Here, 'obligar' expresses a condition where a situation demands a certain response.
La situació ens obliga a ser ràpids.
The situation obliges us to act quickly.
In this example, 'obligar' conveys an inspiring form of encouragement, almost a compulsion guided by respect or affection.