burden

bur-den · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A heavy load to carry.

  2. 2.

    Something difficult to bear; a responsibility or worry.

  3. 3.

    [nautical]The carrying capacity of a ship.

  4. 4.

    To load heavily; to cause worry or hardship.

Forms

plural: burdens

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    burden of proof — The obligation to prove an assertion.
  • •
    beast of burden — An animal used for carrying loads.
  • •
    shoulder the burden — To accept responsibility.

Related words

Antonyms: ease, relief
See also: load, responsibility, weight
Synonyms: load, onus, responsibility, weight

Etymology

From Old English "byrthen," related to "beran" (to bear), cognate with German "Burde."