obligation
/ɑb.ləˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ · ob.li.ga·tion
noun
- The act of binding oneself by a social, legal, or moral tie to someone. Her obligation to her family was to help with the household chores.
- A social, legal, or moral requirement, duty, contract, or promise that compels someone to follow or avoid a particular course of action. The company had an obligation to its customers to provide a refund for the defective product.
- A course of action imposed by society, law, or conscience by which someone is bound or restricted. The law imposed an obligation on drivers to wear seatbelts while operating a vehicle.
Did you know? The concept of obligation has been a cornerstone of many legal systems, including ancient Roman law, where it was known as 'obligatio'.