kötelezni

Kötelezni is a Hungarian verb meaning to compel, obligate, or require someone to perform a certain action. It conveys the creation of a duty or binding obligation, typically in formal, contractual, legal, or organizational contexts. The construction commonly uses a person as the object and a following clause or infinitive that states the required action, for example: A cég kötelezi a dolgozókat a határidők betartására (The company obligates the employees to meet the deadlines).

Etymology and meaning nuance: kötelezni is linked to the idea of binding or tying, a metaphorical extension from the root related to binding things together. This sense underpins related forms such as kötelező (mandatory, obligatory) and kötelezettség (obligation). The verb thus centers on creating a binding duty rather than a mere suggestion.

Usage and context: The term is frequent in legal, contractual, educational, and administrative language, as well as in formal instructions or policy statements. It can describe obligations imposed by law, by a contract, by an organization, or by a person in a position of authority. The opposite notion is not being obliged or being released from obligation, often expressed with terms like mentes, felmentés, or felszabadítás in appropriate contexts.

Related forms and synonyms: kötelező and kötelezettség are common related terms, emphasizing obligation or mandatoriness. Phrasal variants include making something kötelezővé (to make something mandatory). Examples illustrate the distinction between optional actions and those that are forced, required, or mandated.