Definition

Noun: A duty or responsibility that originates from a person's internal sense of ethics, justice, or conscience, rather than from a legal contract or external law. It is an imperative to act in a way that is considered right or good.

Usage

A moral obligation is a compelling force felt by an individual to behave according to principles of right conduct. It is often discussed in contexts of ethics, philosophy, and personal decision-making.

Examples

• I feel a moral obligation to help those in need, even if no one is watching.
• The company's leaders argued they had a moral obligation to protect the environment, beyond what the law required.
• She fulfilled her moral obligation to tell the truth, despite potential personal consequences.

Advanced Usage

• To be under a moral obligation: To be in a state where one's conscience dictates a required action.
  • We are under a moral obligation to future generations to address climate change.
• A sense of moral obligation: The internal feeling or awareness of such a duty.
  • He acted out of a deep sense of moral obligation.

Variants and Related Words

• Moral duty (n): A very similar concept, often used interchangeably with moral obligation, though sometimes considered a slightly stronger or more binding imperative.
• Ethical imperative (n): A principle or rule that is viewed as morally necessary.

Synonyms

• Ethical duty
• Imperative of conscience
• Binding responsibility (in a moral context)

Antonyms

• Legal obligation (an obligation enforced by law)
• Optional act
• Choice without consequence

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To do something on moral grounds: To take action based on ethical principles.
  • She resigned from the project on moral grounds.
• A matter of conscience: An issue requiring a decision based on one's personal morality.
  • Whether to report the error was a matter of conscience for him.

Noun

1. an obligation arising out of considerations of right and wrong
   • he did it out of a feeling of moral obligation