Definition of 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for obligation
The first known use of obligation was in the 14th century
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