1. A requirement or expectation to do something by moral, legal, social, or personal commitment
   "She felt an obligation to help her neighbour";
   - 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
   "He felt a sense of obligation to his mentor for years of guidance";
   - indebtedness
    
4. A legal agreement specifying a payment or action and the penalty for failure to comply
   "The lease obligation required monthly rent payments or face eviction"
    
5. A written promise to repay a debt
   "The company issued obligations to finance its expansion";
   - debt instrument, certificate of indebtedness

Derived forms: obligations

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

Encyclopedia: Obligation