obligation

A social, legal, or moral requirement, such as a duty, contract, or promise, that compels one to follow or avoid a particular course of action.

The constraining power of a promise, contract, law, or sense of duty.

A document in which a person binds himself or herself to undertake or refrain from doing a particular act.

A debt instrument, such as a loan, mortgage, or bond.

The state, fact, or feeling of being indebted to another for a special service or favor received.