1 burden | Definition of burden
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burden

noun (1)
bur·​den | \ ˈbÉ™r-dᵊn How to pronounce burden (audio) \

Definition of burden

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1a : something that is carried : load dropped his burden of firewood
b : duty, responsibility forced to bear the burden of caring for her aging parents lowering the tax burden on the middle class
2 : something oppressive or worrisome a heavy burden of guilt was a huge financial burden on his family
3a : 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 sense 11 worm burdens of cattle cancer burden

burden

verb
burdened; burdening\ ˈbÉ™rd-​niÅ‹ How to pronounce burdening (audio) , ˈbÉ™r-​dᵊn-​iÅ‹ \

Definition of burden (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

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

burden

noun (2)

Definition of burden (Entry 3 of 3)

1 archaic : a bass or accompanying part I would sing my song without a burden; thou bringest me out of tune— Shakespeare
2a : chorus, refrain
b : a central topic : theme the burden of the argument
Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about burden

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Synonyms & Antonyms for burden

Synonyms: Verb

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

Antonyms: Verb

disburden, discharge, disencumber, unburden, unlade, unload

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Examples of burden in a Sentence

Verb

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

First Known Use of burden

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1541, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for burden

Noun (1) and Verb

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

Noun (2)

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

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More Definitions for burden

burden

verb

English Language Learners Definition of burden

: to make (someone) hold or carry something heavy or accept or deal with something difficult : to put a heavy burden on (someone)

See the full definition for burden in the English Language Learners Dictionary

burden

noun
bur·​den | \ ˈbÉ™r-dᵊn How to pronounce burden (audio) \

Kids Definition of burden

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : something carried : load
2 : something that is hard to take a heavy burden of sorrow
3 : the capacity of a ship for carrying cargo a vessel of fifty tons burden

burden

verb
burdened; burdening

Kids Definition of burden (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to have a heavy load or put a heavy load on
2 : to cause to have to deal with He is burdened with responsibilities.

burden

noun
bur·​den | \ ˈbÉ™rd-ᵊn How to pronounce burden (audio) \

Medical Definition of burden

: load sense 3 worm burden cancer burden

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