Duty

Quick meaning: Duty is a noun meaning (countable, uncountable) That which one is morally or legally obligated to do.

Meaning

(countable, uncountable) That which one is morally or legally obligated to do.

More Meanings

1. (uncountable) The state of being at work and responsible for or doing a particular task.
2. (countable) An excise tax; especially, one on imports or exports.
3. (euphemistic) The act of urination or defecation, especially for a dog.
4. (engineering) The efficiency of an engine in work done per unit of fuel; particularly, the number of pounds of water which a steam pumping engine can raise one foot by burning one bushel or hundredweight of coal.
5. (obsolete) One's due, something one is owed; a debt or fee.
6. (obsolete) Respect; reverence; regard; act of respect; homage.

Example Sentences

customs duty

I’m on duty from 6 pm to 6 am.

Take that which is thy duty, and goo thy waye.

Do your duty by me! -No, we don't have a duty to keep you abreast.

Word Forms

• duties
• dutie

Synonyms for duty

Depending on context, synonyms include obligation, responsibility, tariff.

Antonyms for duty

Common opposites include duty-free, right.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include obligation, responsibility, tariff, devoir, duty-bound, mandate.

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