ˈdjuːti duːti ɪnˈdɛtɪdnəs ɑb.ləˈɡeɪ.ʃən ɹɪˌspɑnsəˈbɪlɪɾi the social force that binds you to 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 a legal agreement specifying a payment or action and the penalty for failure to comply a written promise to repay a debt a personal relation in which one is indebted for a service or favor the state of being obligated to do or pay something he is under an obligation to finish the job