noun
burden
BURDN
noun
1
A heavy load, or a difficult responsibility or worry someone has to carry.
"Caring for both parents became a heavy burden on her."
"The new tax law placed an extra burden on small businesses."
verb
1
To load someone down, literally or figuratively, with a burden.
"He didn't want to burden his friends with his problems."
How to Use Burden
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething heavy to carry, whether it's a physical load or a worry, duty, or responsibility.
Common pairings
burden of proof
financial burden
burden someone with
Word Forms
burdened past tense, burdens plural, burdens plural, Burdens plural, burdens singular
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Caring for both parents became a heavy _____ on her.
Etymology
From Old English byrþen, related to "bear" in the sense of "to carry".