Obligation

/ˌɑːblɪˈɡeɪʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A duty or commitment to do something, often arising from a legal, moral, or social requirement.

She felt a strong obligation to care for her aging parents.

A binding agreement or contract.

He entered into an obligation to repay the loan within two years.

The state of being morally or legally bound to do something.

Employees have an obligation to follow the company's code of conduct.

From Latin 'obligatio', from 'obligare' meaning 'to bind (to)'

moral obligation

A duty that arises out of ethical considerations.

legal obligation

A duty imposed by law.

social obligation

A duty arising from social norms or customs.

obligate

To bind or compel someone legally or morally.

obligatory

Required by a law or rule; mandatory.

Gotta do it

I have a gotta do it to finish my project by tomorrow.

Mandatory fun

Going to the party was just mandatory fun, not really my thing.