noblesse oblige

[noh-bles oh-bleezh, naw-bles aw-bleezh]

noun

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

noblesse oblige

/ nəʊˈblɛs əʊˈbliːʒ, nɔblɛs ɔbliʒ /

noun

1. ironic,  the supposed obligation of nobility to be honourable and generous

noblesse oblige

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of noblesse oblige¹

First recorded in 1830–40; from French: literally, “nobility obliges”

Word History and Origins

Origin of noblesse oblige¹

French, literally: nobility obliges