Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Obligation has 6 different meanings across 1 category:
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
"we must instill a sense of duty in our children"
"every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty"
the state of being obligated to do or pay something
"he is under an obligation to finish the job"
a personal relation in which one is indebted for a service or favor
"After my neighbor mowed his lawn while I was on vacation, I felt a strong obligation to return the favor by fixing his fence."
a written promise to repay a debt
"After signing the loan agreement, I felt a heavy obligation to make sure every monthly payment was sent on time."
a legal agreement specifying a payment or action and the penalty for failure to comply
"The judge ruled that failing to pay the court-mandated restitution within thirty days would trigger an additional fine under the original obligation."
The act of binding oneself by a social, legal, or moral tie to someone.
"After promising to help move his neighbor's piano, he felt a heavy obligation to show up on Saturday morning regardless of how tired he was."
In plain English: An obligation is something you are required to do because of a rule, promise, or law.
"Everyone has an obligation to pay their taxes on time."
Usage: Use obligation to describe a duty you are required to fulfill due to a law, contract, or moral code. It refers specifically to the responsibility itself rather than the act of doing something or the person who holds the duty.
The word "obligation" comes from the Latin verb obligare, which literally means "to bind." It entered English via Old French and Middle English, carrying its original sense of being bound or tied to a duty.