obligation
UK: /ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n/ | US: /ˌɑːblɪˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n/
n. a moral or legal duty to do something
n. a binding agreement or promise
n. something one must do due to social or personal pressure
obligation = ob<toward> + lig<bind> + ation<noun suffix>
- ob (Latin ob-, meaning "toward" or "against")
- lig (Latin ligare, meaning "to bind")
- ation (noun-forming suffix indicating an action or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word "obligation" traces back to Latin obligatio, derived from obligare ("to bind"). The prefix ob- intensifies the root ligare ("to bind"), originally referring to physical bonds (e.g., ropes) and later evolving into metaphorical or legal bonds (e.g., contracts, duties). The suffix -ation nominalizes the action, turning "to bind" into "the state of being bound." This reflects the word’s progression from literal ties to abstract commitments.
Paying taxes is a legal obligation for citizens.
She felt a strong obligation to help her family.
The contract outlines the obligations of both parties.
He fulfilled his obligation by volunteering at the shelter.
Cultural traditions often come with unspoken obligations.