noblesse oblige

noun no·blesse oblige \nō-ˈbles-ə-ˈblēzh\

: the idea that people who have high social rank or wealth should be helpful and generous to people of lower rank or to people who are poor

Full Definition of NOBLESSE OBLIGE

: the obligation of honorable, generous, and responsible behavior associated with high rank or birth

See noblesse oblige defined for English-language learners

French, literally, nobility obligates

First Known Use: 1837

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