Noblesse-oblige definition

ō-blēzh
Benevolent, honorable behavior considered to be the responsibility of persons of high birth or rank.
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The assumed obligation of people of high rank or social position to behave nobly or kindly toward others.
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The honourable obligation that is the responsibility of those of high rank; in American English this often includes the expectation of benevolent actions such as helping those less fortunate.
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Origin of noblesse-oblige

  • French nobility is an obligation noblesse nobility oblige third person sing. present tense of obliger to obligate

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Borrowing from French, noblesse (“nobility") oblige (“obliges")

    From Wiktionary