Obligating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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obligating
[ˈɑːblɪɡeɪtɪŋ ]
Definitions
legal obligation
To obligate means to bind or impose a duty or responsibility on someone, often through requirements set by law or agreement. This term is commonly used in legal or formal contexts, referring to actions that create a necessity for obedience or compliance.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The contract obligates the parties to fulfill their duties.
- Laws obligate citizens to pay taxes.
- He is obligated to provide support for his family.
moral obligation
To obligate can also refer to moral or social duties that require a person to act in a certain way, based on ethical principles or communal expectations.
Synonyms
entail, pressure, require, urge.
Examples of usage
- She felt obligated to help her neighbors in need.
- The community obligates volunteers to attend meetings.
- Parents often feel obligated to provide for their children.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In law, obligations can arise from contracts, where parties are required to perform specific actions.
- Failure to meet obligations can result in legal consequences, including penalties or lawsuits.
- The concept of obligations is central in many legal systems, driving agreements and responsibilities.
Sociology
- Social obligations are duties imposed by society, such as helping family and community members.
- Individuals often feel social pressure to fulfill obligations, impacting their decisions and behaviors.
- Cultural expectations shape what obligations individuals perceive in different societies.
Psychology
- The feeling of being obligated can create stress, especially if the task is unwanted or difficult.
- People often weigh the benefits of fulfilling obligations against their personal desires and autonomy.
- Guilt can be a strong motivator for individuals to meet their obligations, influencing mental health.
Philosophy
- Philosophers debate the nature of obligations, questioning whether they are inherently moral or socially constructed.
- The concept of duty is pivotal in ethical discussions, influencing how obligations are perceived and acted upon.
- Different ethical theories, like deontology, emphasize the importance of fulfilling obligations as a moral duty.
Origin of 'obligating'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'obligare', meaning 'to bind or tie to'.
- Originally used in legal and formal contexts, reflecting its roots in responsibilities and contracts.
- It is rooted in the idea of creating a bond or duty that one must fulfill.
The word 'obligate' has its roots in the Latin term 'obligare,' which means 'to bind' or 'to tie.' This Latin term is a combination of 'ob-' meaning 'to' or 'against' and 'ligare' meaning 'to bind.' Historically, the word evolved through Old French into Middle English in the context of binding agreements, duties, and responsibilities. The notion of legal and moral obligations has imparted a significant role in society, where the act of obligating individuals often serves to uphold social order and ethical standards. The usage of 'obligate' has been documented in legal texts and literature since the late Middle Ages, reflecting its important role in discussions of duty and ethics.