plight

Noun

• a solemn pledge of fidelity

• a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
  • finds himself in a most awkward predicament
    
  • the woeful plight of homeless people
    

Verb

• promise solemnly and formally
  • I pledge that I will honor my wife
    

• give to in marriage

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  troth , predicament , quandary , pledge , betroth , engage , affiance