unburden

verb

un·​bur·​den ˌən-ˈbər-dᵊn 

unburdened; unburdening; unburdens

transitive verb

1

: to free or relieve from a burden

2

: to relieve oneself of (cares, fears, worries, etc.) : cast off

Synonyms

• disburden
• discharge
• disencumber
• off-load
• unlade
• unload
• unpack

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unburden

• unburden oneself

Rhymes for unburden

• bourdon
• burden
• overburden

Kids Definition

unburden

verb

un·​bur·​den ˌən-ˈbərd-ᵊn 

1

: to free or bring relief from a burden

2

: to free oneself from (as cares)