'obliging' originates from the Latin word 'obligare,' where 'ob-' meant 'toward' and 'ligare' meant 'to bind.'

'obligare' transformed into the Old French word 'obliger,' and eventually became the modern English word 'oblige' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to bind or commit,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'willing to do favors or help others.'