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obligations - 2 dictionary results

ob⋅li⋅ga⋅tion

[ob-li-gey-shuhn]
–noun
1. something by which a person is bound or obliged to do certain things, and which arises out of a sense of duty or results from custom, law, etc.
2. something that is done or is to be done for such reasons: to fulfill one's obligations.
3. a binding promise, contract, sense of duty, etc.
4. the act of binding or obliging oneself by a promise, contract, etc.
5. Law.
a. an agreement enforceable by law, originally applied to promises under seal.
b. a document containing such an agreement.
c. a bond containing a penalty, with a condition annexed for payment of money, performance of covenants, etc.
6. any bond, note, bill, certificate, or the like, as of a government or a corporation, serving as evidence of indebtedness.
7. an indebtedness or amount of indebtedness.
8. a favor, service, or benefit for which gratitude is due.
9. a debt of gratitude: He felt an obligation to his teacher.
10. the state of being under a debt, as of gratitude, for a favor, service, or benefit.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME obligacioun < OF obligation < L obligātiōn- (s. of obligātiō) a binding, equiv. to obligāt(us) bound (see obligate ) + -iōn- -ion


1. responsibility. See duty. 5. contract, covenant.
ob·li·ga·tion   (ŏb'lĭ-gā'shən)   
n.  
  1. The act of binding oneself by a social, legal, or moral tie.
    1. 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.
    2. A course of action imposed by society, law, or conscience by which one is bound or restricted.
    3. A legal agreement stipulating a specified payment or action, especially if the agreement also specifies a penalty for failure to comply.
    4. The document containing the terms of such an agreement.
    5. Something owed as payment or in return for a special service or favor.
    6. The service or favor for which one is indebted to another.
  2. The constraining power of a promise, contract, law, or sense of duty.
  3. Law
    1. A legal agreement stipulating a specified payment or action, especially if the agreement also specifies a penalty for failure to comply.
    2. The document containing the terms of such an agreement.
    3. Something owed as payment or in return for a special service or favor.
    4. The service or favor for which one is indebted to another.
    1. Something owed as payment or in return for a special service or favor.
    2. The service or favor for which one is indebted to another.
  4. The state, fact, or feeling of being indebted to another for a special service or favor received.
ob'li·ga'tion·al adj.
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