obligation

ob-li-ga-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound.

  2. 2.

    A debt of gratitude for a service or favor.

  3. 3.

    A binding agreement; a contract or promise.

Forms

plural: obligations

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    under obligation — bound by duty or gratitude
  • •
    no obligation — free to decline without consequences
  • •
    moral obligation — a duty based on ethical principles

Related words

Antonyms: choice, exemption, freedom
See also: duty, obligated, responsibility
Synonyms: commitment, duty, requirement, responsibility

Etymology

From Old French obligation, from Latin obligationem, from obligare ("to bind, tie up").