As a Noun: 1. Something that you must do because you have promised to do it or because it is your duty to do it. English = obligation, commitment. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To feel that you must do something because it is your duty or because you have promised to do it. English = (be) obliged, (be) committed. 2. To make someone feel or promise that they must do something. English = oblige, commit. 3. To make a person live, behave, or act in a particular way by restricting their freedom. Idiomatic English = tie down.