Definition

A heavy load or responsibility that someone has to carry or deal with, often causing worry or stress.

Example

She felt the burden of her family's expectations weighing heavily on her.

Conversation

I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately.

What’s been going on? Is there a specific burden you're carrying?

Yeah, it's just work and family stuff piling up.

I totally get that; sometimes it feels heavy to manage everything at once.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To load someone or something with a heavy weight or responsibility, making it difficult for them to manage or cope.

Example

The new project will burden the team with extra work.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I feel like I might burden my friends with all my problems.

You're not a burden; we all go through tough times.

I appreciate that, but I still worry about it sometimes.

Root Explanation

Burden comes from Old English 'byrdan' (meaning to carry) and is related to the Proto-Germanic '*burdiz' (meaning a load or weight). The word 'burden' refers to something that is carried or a heavy load, either physically or metaphorically.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for 'to carry' — that's what a burden is, something that you carry or a heavy load.

Visually Confused Words