obligation

英[ɒblɪ'geɪʃ(ə)n] 美[,ɑblɪ'ɡeʃən]

1. the social force that binds you to your obligations and 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"- John D.Rockefeller Jr

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 favor

4. a legal agreement specifying a payment or action and the penalty for failure to comply