| 释义 |
ob·li·ga·tion
\ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈgāshən\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English obligacioun, from Old French obligation, from Latin obligation-, obligatio, from obligatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : an act of obligating oneself to a course of action : a putting under a promise, vow, or oath (as in initiation into an organization)
2.
a. : an obligating factor or instrument : something (as a promise, vow, or demand of ideals or conscience) that binds or constrains to a course of action : the obligating power inherent in such a factor or instrument
< the obligations of conscience >
b. : a bond with a condition annexed and a penalty for nonfulfillment; broadly : a formal and binding agreement or acknowledgment of a liability to pay a specified sum or do a specified thing
c. : an investment security
< corporate bonds and other obligations >
3.
a. : something that one is bound to do or forbear : an imperative duty (as imposed by promise, religion, conscience, ideals, or social standards)
b. : a duty arising by contract : a legal liability
4.
a. : a condition or feeling of being bound legally or ethically
b. : a condition or feeling of social indebtedness (as for kindnesses and favors granted)
< their repeated assistance left him with an intolerable sense of obligation >
5. : money committed to a particular purpose : liability, encumbrance
6. Roman & civil law : a legal relationship or tie in accordance with which one party is able to compel another in a personal action and under the existing circumstances to do or not to do a specified act (as to pay money or transfer property) or to refrain from specified conduct and which arises out of a contract, quasi contract, delict, or quasi delict
Synonyms:
duty and obligation are often interchangeable but obligation can apply to what one must do or refrain from doing usually by an immediate constraint inherent in position, occupation, relationship, or belief
< the obligation of the courts to refuse to enforce any legislation which violates freedom of speech — Zechariah Chafee >
< Christians differ in their understanding of religious obligation — J.C.Swaim >
< one of the most compelling obligations of the good citizen — John Lodge >
< one's obligation to provide for one's family >
whereas duty can suggest less immediate compulsion but a greater general compulsion on moral or ethical grounds
< one's duty to one's family >
< considered that every one owed a certain duty to society — A.C.Benson >
< the duty of self-preservation — W.R.Inge >
< still has his duty to his mother — Mary Austin >
Synonym: see in addition debt. |