1. Home
  2. Dictionary
  3. Obligation

Definition of Obligation in English :

Define Obligation in English

Obligation meaning in English

Meaning of Obligation in English

Pronunciation of Obligation in English

Obligation pronunciation in English

Pronounce Obligation in English

Obligation

see synonyms of obligation

Noun

1. duty, obligation, responsibility

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

Example Sentences:
'we must instill a sense of duty in our children'
'every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty'

2. obligation

the state of being obligated to do or pay something

Example Sentences:
'he is under an obligation to finish the job'

3. indebtedness, obligation

a personal relation in which one is indebted for a service or favor

4. certificate of indebtedness, debt instrument, obligation

a written promise to repay a debt

5. obligation

a legal agreement specifying a payment or action and the penalty for failure to comply

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Obligation

see synonyms of obligation
noun
1. 
a moral or legal requirement; duty
2. 
the act of obligating or the state of being obligated
3. law
a legally enforceable agreement to perform some act, esp to pay money, for the benefit of another party
4. law
a. 
a written contract containing a penalty
b. 
an instrument acknowledging indebtedness to secure the repayment of money borrowed
5. 
a person or thing to which one is bound morally or legally
6. 
something owed in return for a service or favour
7. 
a service or favour for which one is indebted

Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

Obligation

see synonyms of obligation
noun
1. 
an obligating or being obligated
2. 
a binding contract, promise, moral responsibility, etc.
3. 
a duty imposed legally or socially; thing that one is bound to do by contract, promise, moral responsibility, etc.
4. 
the binding power of a contract, promise, etc.
5. 
a. 
the condition or fact of being indebted to another for a favor or service received
b. 
a favor or service
6.  Law
a. 
an agreement or duty by which one person (the obligor) is legally bound to make payment or perform services for the benefit of another (the obligee)
b. 
the bond, contract, or other document setting forth the terms of this agreement

Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.

Obligation

see synonyms of obligation
n.
1.
a. A social, legal, or moral requirement, such as a duty, contract, or promise, that compels one to follow or avoid a particular course of action: Are you able to meet your obligations? I have an obligation to attend their wedding.
b. The constraining power of a promise, contract, law, or sense of duty: I felt no obligation to offer my advice.
c. Law A document in which a person binds himself or herself to undertake or refrain from doing a particular act.
d. A debt instrument, such as a loan, mortgage, or bond.
2. The state, fact, or feeling of being indebted to another for a special service or favor received: If they invite us, aren't we under obligation to invite them in return?

The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2018 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

WORD OF THE DAY

waspish

FIND OUT WHAT IT MEANS

Recent Searches