obligation

Universal Words noun 1 [U,C,usually sing.] the state of being forced to do sth because it is your duty, or because of a law, etc: You are under no obligation to buy anything. * She did not feel under any obligation to tell him the truth. * I don't want people coming to see me out of a sense of obligation. * We have a moral obligation to protect the environment. * We will send you an estimate for the work without obligation (= you do not have to accept it). 2 [C] something which you must do because you have promised, because of a law, etc: to fulfil your legal / professional / financial obligations * They reminded him of his contractual obligations.