duty

du-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A moral or legal obligation; a responsibility.

  2. 2.

    A task or action that someone is required to perform as part of their job.

  3. 3.

    A tax on imports or exports.

  4. 4.

    The amount of work done by a machine or engine.

Forms

plural: duties

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    on duty / off duty — Working / not working
  • •
    call of duty — Moral obligation, especially in demanding situations
  • •
    do one's duty — To fulfill one's obligations
  • •
    duty-free — Exempt from import taxes
  • •
    heavy-duty — Strong and durable

Related words

Antonyms: choice, option
See also: obligation, responsibility, task
Synonyms: function, obligation, responsibility, task

Etymology

From Anglo-French duete, from Old French deu ("owed"), past participle of devoir ("to owe"), from Latin debere.