obligation
noun uk/ˌɒb.lɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ us/ˌɑː.bləˈɡeɪ.ʃən/
B2 [ C or U ]义务；责任；职责
the fact that you are obliged to do something
[ + to infinitive ] If you have not signed a contract, you are under no obligation to (= it is not necessary to) pay them any money. 如果你没有签合同，你就没有义务付给他们钱。
You have a legal obligation to (= the law says you must) ensure your child receives an education. 法律规定你有义务确保自己的孩子接受教育。
[ C ]必须要做的事情
something that you must do
I don't have time to do his work for him - I have too many obligations as it is. 我没有时间帮他干活儿——我自己的事还多得做不完呢。
- More examples
- Beach operators do not have a legal obligation to provide against injury or drowning.
- One has an obligation to one's friends.
- It's her moral obligation to tell the police what she knows.
- Are you under a contractual obligation to any other company?
- You have a legal obligation to inform the police about the crash.