beholden

adjective be·hold·en \bi-ˈhōl-dən, bē-\

Definition of BEHOLDEN

: being under obligation for a favor or gift : indebted <I'm beholden to you>

See beholden defined for English-language learners

See beholden defined for kids

Middle English, from past participle of beholden

First Known Use: 14th century

BEHOLDEN Defined for Kids

adjective be·hold·en \bi-ˈhol-dən\

: owing the return of a gift or favor <I'm not beholden to anyone for my success.>

Next Word in the Dictionary: behoofPrevious Word in the Dictionary: beholdAll Words Near: beholden

What made you want to look up beholden? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears