SENSE OF DUTY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does sense of duty mean? 

• SENSE OF DUTY (noun)
  The noun SENSE OF DUTY has 1 sense:

1. a motivating awareness of ethical responsibility

  Familiarity information: SENSE OF DUTY used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SENSE OF DUTY (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A motivating awareness of ethical responsibility

Classified under:

Nouns denoting goals

Synonyms:

sense of duty; sense of shame

Hypernyms ("sense of duty" is a kind of...):

conscience; moral sense; scruples; sense of right and wrong (motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions)

 Context examples 

I would not attempt to force the confidence of any one; of a child much less; because a sense of duty would prevent the denial which her wishes might direct.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

You will never sacrifice yourself to a mistaken sense of duty, Agnes?

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

He feared that principle, active principle, had been wanting; that they had never been properly taught to govern their inclinations and tempers by that sense of duty which can alone suffice.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

I am not at liberty to give you the whole of my reasons; but you may, I assure you, take it from me that they are good ones, sound and unselfish, and spring from the highest sense of duty.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Other men saw to the welfare of their dogs from a sense of duty and business expediency; he saw to the welfare of his as if they were his own children, because he could not help it.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

I have now, as far as such a sentiment is allowable in human nature, nothing to reproach myself with; and if I mistake not, a strong sense of duty is no bad part of a woman's portion.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

I have had some slight correspondence with your former friend, sir, addressing me, but it has not restored his sense of duty or natural obligation.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)