NATURE OF OBLIGATION . The word originally derives from the Latin term “ obligare ” which comes from the root “ lig ” which suggests being bound, as one is to God for instance in “ re-ligio” The popular meaning of the term “ obligation ” is a duty to do or not to do something. Obligation is a civil law concept. An obligation can be created voluntarily, such as one arising from a contract, quasi-contract, or unilateral promise. It is merely a class of duties in the legal sense ... An obligation is a course of action which someone is required to take, be it a legal obligation or a moral obligation. Obligations are constraints; they limit freedom. According to Holland, An obligation as its entomology denotes is a tie by one person is bound to perform some act for the benefit of another. In some cases, the two parties agree thus to be bound together; in other cases as they are bound without their consent. Definition of obligation - Although It is An obligation is a duty. It's your obligation or responsibility to call your mom on Mother's Day. Sending flowers would be even better.