WordWeb Online

1. The social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
   "every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty"
   - duty, responsibility
    
2. The state of being obligated to do or pay something
   "he is under an obligation to finish the job"
    
3. A personal relation in which one is indebted for a service or favour
   - indebtedness
    
4. A written promise to repay a debt
   - debt instrument, certificate of indebtedness
    
5. A legal agreement specifying a payment or action and the penalty for failure to comply

Derived forms: obligations

See also: obligate, obligational, oblige

Type of: document, personal relation, personal relationship, social control, state, written agreement

Encyclopedia: Obligation