The meaning of OBLIGATION is the action of obligating oneself to a course of action (as by a promise or vow).

OBLIGATION definition: 1. the fact that you are obliged to do something: 2. something that you must do: 3. the fact that…. Learn more.

Obligation definition: 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..

Definition of obligation noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you have an obligation to a person, it is your duty to look after them or protect their interests.

There are 11 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun obligation, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

If you say that someone has an obligation to do something or a duty to do something, you mean that they ought to do it, because it is their responsibility. When obligation and duty are used like this, they …

something that a person feels morally or legally bound to do: [countable] to feel an obligation to help one's parents. [uncountable] a strong sense of family obligation.

When you are morally or legally bound to a particular commitment, it's your obligation to follow through on it. If you see a crime taking place, for example, it's your obligation to notify the police.

obligation meaning, definition, what is obligation: a moral or legal duty to do something: Learn more.