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

²burden

transitive verb

bur·dened bur·den·ing \ˈbərd-niŋ, ˈbər-d^ən-iŋ\

Definition of BURDEN

: load, oppress <I will not burden you with a lengthy account>

Examples of BURDEN

1. I don't wish to burden you with my problems.
2. <burdened the dog with a little backpack>

First Known Use of BURDEN

1541

Related to BURDEN

Synonyms

load, encumber, freight, lade, laden, lumber, saddle, weight

Antonyms

disburden, discharge, disencumber, unburden, unlade, unload

Related Words

clog, clutter, fill, pack; heap, mound, pile, stack; press, weigh; strain, tax; overburden, overload, overtax, surcharge; hamper, handicap; afflict, oppress

Near Antonyms

alleviate, ease, lighten, relieve

Rhymes with BURDEN

guerdon, lurdane

³burden

noun

Definition of BURDEN

1

archaic : a bass or accompanying part

2

a : chorus, refrain

b : a central topic : theme

Origin of BURDEN

Middle English burdoun, from Anglo-French burdun a drone bass, of imitative origin

First Known Use: 14th century

bur·den

noun \ˈbərd-^ən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of BURDEN

: load 3 <worm burden> <cancer burden>