burden

¹bur·den

noun \ˈbər-d^ən\

Definition of BURDEN

1

a : something that is carried : load b : duty, responsibility

2

: something oppressive or worrisome

3

a : the bearing of a load —usually used in the phrase beast of burden b : capacity for carrying cargo <a ship of a hundred tons burden>

4

: load 11 <worm burden> <cancer burden>

Origin of BURDEN

Middle English, from Old English byrthen; akin to Old English beran to carry — more at bear

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with BURDEN

guerdon, lurdane, verdin