noblesse oblige

[ noh-bles oh-bleezh; French naw-bles aw-bleezh ]
/ noʊˈblɛs oʊˈbliʒ; French nɔˈblɛs ɔˈbliʒ /

noun

the moral obligation of those of high birth, powerful social position, etc., to act with honor, kindliness, generosity, etc.

Origin of noblesse oblige

1830–40; < French: literally, nobility obliges

Words nearby noblesse oblige

British Dictionary definitions for noblesse oblige

noblesse oblige
/ (nəʊˈblɛs əʊˈbliːʒ, French nɔblɛs ɔbliʒ) /

noun

often ironic the supposed obligation of nobility to be honourable and generous

Word Origin for noblesse oblige

French, literally: nobility obliges

Cultural definitions for noblesse oblige

noblesse oblige
[ (noh-bles oh-bleezh) ]

The belief that the wealthy and privileged are obliged to help those less fortunate. From French, meaning “nobility obligates.”