Noun
The act of obligating.
That which obligates or constrains; the binding power of a promise, contract, oath, or vow, or of law; that which constitutes legal or moral duty.
Any act by which a person becomes bound to do something to or for anouther, or to forbear something; external duties imposed by law, promise, or contract, by the relations of society, or by courtesy, kindness, etc.
The state of being obligated or bound; the state of being indebted for an act of favor or kindness; as, to place others under obligations to one.
A bond with a condition annexed, and a penalty for nonfulfillment. In a larger sense, it is an acknowledgment of a duty to pay a certain sum or do a certain things.
Source: Webster's dictionaryThe First Amendment is often inconvenient. But that is besides the point. Inconvenience does not absolve the government of its obligation to tolerate speech. Anthony Kennedy
National sovereignty is an obligation as well as an entitlement. A government that will not perform the role of a government forfeits the rights of a government. Richard Perle
The only obligation to which in advance we may hold a novel, without incurring the accusation of being arbitrary, is that it be interesting. Henry James
If you fall into a pit, Providence is under no obligation to come and look for you. Persian Proverb
To place yourself under an obligation is to sell your liberty. Latin Proverb
The first favor is a favor, the second an obligation. Chinese Proverb