1. owing gratitude or having a duty to someone because of a favor or benefit received
Usage: often followed by ‘to’

Examples

• She felt beholden to her mentor for helping her get the job.
• The company is beholden to its shareholders for their investment.
• I don’t want to be beholden to anyone for my success.
• The politician claimed he was not beholden to special interest groups.
• After receiving the scholarship, he was beholden to the foundation.
• Many small businesses are beholden to their banks for loans.