- duty
- du•ty[[t]ˈdu ti, ˈdyu-[/t]] n. pl. -ties1) something that one is expected or required to do by moral or legal obligation2) the binding force of something that is morally or legally right; moral or legal obligation3) an action or task required by a person's position or occupation:the duties of a clergyman[/ex]4) the respectful and obedient conduct due a parent, elder, or superior5) an act or expression of respect6) a task or chore that one is expected to perform7) mila) an assigned military task, occupation, or place of service:on radar duty[/ex]b) mil the military service required of a citizen by a country8) bus a specific or ad valorem tax imposed by law on the import or export of goods9) a payment, service, etc., imposed and enforceable by law or custom10) maca) the amount of work done by an engine per unit amount of fuel consumedb) mac the measure of effectiveness of any machine•Etymology: 1250–1300; < AF duete; see due, -ty syn: duty, obligation refer to something a person feels bound to do. A duty often applies to what a person performs in fulfillment of the permanent dictates of conscience, piety, right, or law: one's duty to tell the truth; a parent's duty to raise children properly. An obligation is what is expected at a particular time in fulfillment of a specific and often personal promise, contract, or agreement: social or financial obligations.
From formal English to slang. 2014.