Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Under a moral obligation to do something: Feeling compelled or obligated to act in a particular way because it is considered the right, proper, or responsible thing to do, often based on a sense of duty, honor, or loyalty.

Usage

• The adjective "duty-bound" describes a state of feeling morally compelled. It is typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like "feel," "be," or "seem."
• It emphasizes an internal sense of obligation rather than a legal or external requirement.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • As a doctor, she felt duty-bound to help the injured person at the scene of the accident.
  • He was duty-bound to report the safety violation to his supervisor.
  • I am duty-bound to tell you the truth, even if it's unpleasant.

Advanced Usage

• "to be duty-bound to (do something)": This is the most common construction, explicitly stating the obligatory action.
  • The witness was duty-bound to tell the court everything she saw.
• "feel duty-bound": Highlights the internal, personal feeling of obligation.
  • Despite his personal feelings, he felt duty-bound to support the family's decision.

Variants and Related Words

• Bounden duty (noun phrase, formal): A responsibility that one is morally obliged to fulfill.
  • It is my bounden duty to protect them.

Synonyms

• Obligated: Required to do something, especially as a legal or moral duty.
• Honor-bound: Obligated by personal honor or a code of ethics.
• Compelled: Forced or driven to do something.

Related Phrases

• In duty bound (phrase, slightly formal): An alternative phrasing with the same meaning as "duty-bound."
  • I am in duty bound to correct this error.

Adjective

1. under a moral obligation to do something