debt to society
Definition of debt to society
—used in phrases such as pay your debt to society to refer to being punished for committing a crime after 10 years in prison, he has paid his debt to society and is a free man.
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Word by Word Definitions
: sin, trespass
: something owed : obligation
: a state of being under obligation to pay or repay someone or something in return for something received : a state of owing
: companionship or association with one's fellows : friendly or intimate intercourse : company
: a voluntary association of individuals for common ends
: an organized group working together or periodically meeting because of common interests, beliefs, or profession
: of, relating to, or typical of fashionable society
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up debt to society? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!