unburden

verb

un·​bur·​den ˌən-ˈbər-dᵊn How to pronounce unburden (audio)
unburdened; unburdening; unburdens

transitive verb

1
: to free or relieve from a burden
2
: to relieve oneself of (cares, fears, worries, etc.) : cast off

Examples of unburden in a Sentence

the crew was frantically unburdening the ship in an attempt to save it a generous friend unburdened her of that particular financial worry
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cybersecurity is now a board-level discussion, but many organizations haven’t unlocked its full potential to unburden the business—and empower it to pursue new markets and drive profits. David Monnier, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Musk’s social media unburdening this week certainly wasn’t helpful to the cause. Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 4 June 2025 The rebirth is necessary, an unburdening and a kind of justice for her and her family. Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Here at last Richard unburdens himself, telling Reacher that the Becks’ lives are not their own. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unburden

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unburden was circa 1538

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Cite this Entry

“Unburden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unburden. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

unburden

verb
un·​bur·​den ˌən-ˈbərd-ᵊn How to pronounce unburden (audio)
1
: to free or bring relief from a burden
2
: to free oneself from (as cares)

More from Merriam-Webster on unburden

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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