obligation

1 : the action of obligating oneself to a course of action (as by a promise or vow)

2a : something (such as a formal contract, a promise, or the demands of conscience or custom) that obligates one to a course of action made an obligation to pay their children's college expenses

b : a debt security (such as a mortgage or corporate bond)

c : a commitment (as by a government) to pay a particular sum of money also : an amount owed under such an obligation Unable to meet its obligations, the company went into bankruptcy.

3a : a condition or feeling of being obligated felt an obligation to vote

b : a debt of gratitude returned the favor as an obligation

4 : something one is bound to do : duty, responsibility countries in which military service is an obligation fulfilled their familial obligations

Definition of obligation

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