unburden

verb

un·​bur·​den ˌən-ˈbər-dᵊn 

unburdened; unburdening; unburdens

transitive verb

1

: to free or relieve from a burden

They tried to unburden her of her troubles.

2

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

When they asked what was bothering him, he welcomed the chance to unburden himself.

Synonyms of unburden

• unload

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

The narrator observes that being able to share the big secret with someone brings unburdening relief. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026

Prevc is left with only history after unburdening the weight of his promise. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026

But Nevils is doing more than just unburdening herself. —Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026

Of Landfair unburdening herself of the anchor that came with saying her name aloud. —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2026

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)