Search Result for "responsibility": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (3)

1. the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force;
- Example: "we must instill a sense of duty in our children"
- Example: "every right implies a responsibility every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty"- John D.Rockefeller Jr;
[syn: duty, responsibility, obligation]

2. the proper sphere or extent of your activities;
- Example: "it was his province to take care of himself"
[syn: province, responsibility]

3. a form of trustworthiness; the trait of being answerable to someone for something or being responsible for one's conduct;
- Example: "he holds a position of great responsibility"
[syn: responsibility, responsibleness]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Responsibility \Re*spon`si*bil"i*ty\ (r?*sp?n`s?*b?l"?*t?), n.;
   pl. -ties (-t?z). [Cf. F. responsabilit['e].]
   1. The state of being responsible, accountable, or
      answerable, as for a trust, debt, or obligation.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. That for which anyone is responsible or accountable; as,
      the resonsibilities of power.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Ability to answer in payment; means of paying.
      [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

responsibility
    n 1: the social force that binds you to the courses of action
         demanded by that force; "we must instill a sense of duty in
         our children"; "every right implies a responsibility; every
         opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty"- John
         D.Rockefeller Jr [syn: duty, responsibility,
         obligation]
    2: the proper sphere or extent of your activities; "it was his
       province to take care of himself" [syn: province,
       responsibility]
    3: a form of trustworthiness; the trait of being answerable to
       someone for something or being responsible for one's conduct;
       "he holds a position of great responsibility" [syn:
       responsibility, responsibleness] [ant:
       irresponsibility, irresponsibleness]


The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):

RESPONSIBILITY, n.  A detachable burden easily shifted to the
shoulders of God, Fate, Fortune, Luck or one's neighbor.  In the days
of astrology it was customary to unload it upon a star.

    Alas, things ain't what we should see
    If Eve had let that apple be;
    And many a feller which had ought
    To set with monarchses of thought,
    Or play some rosy little game
    With battle-chaps on fields of fame,
    Is downed by his unlucky star
    And hollers:  "Peanuts! -- here you are!"
                                                   "The Sturdy Beggar"