duty/ˋdutI; ˈdjuːti/n plural duties 1 [C,U] something that you should do because it is right 责任﹐义务: I promise I will do my duty . 我保证我会尽责的。duty to do sth It is our duty to help her. 我们有责任帮助她。Parents have a duty to protect their children. 父母有责任保护自己的孩子。2 [C usually plural 一般用复数, U] something you have to do as part of your job〔工作的〕职责﹐任务: Her duties included typing. 她的职责包括打字。He was carrying out his duties as ambassador. 他在履行作为大使的职责。3 on/off duty if a doctor, nurse, police officer etc is on or off duty, they are working or not working at a particular time 值班[勤]/下班[不值勤]: Ann goes on duty (=starts working) at half past ten. 安十点半值班。What time do you go off duty (=finish work)? 你什么时候下班?4 [C,U] a tax you pay on something you buy〔购物所付的〕税: +on the duty on cigarettes 香烟税HEAVY-DUTY, NIGHT DUTY