burden

/bˈɜːdən/

/ˈbɝdən/

Burden

a responsibility or task that causes hardship, stress, etc.

weight to be borne or conveyed

synonyms : load

the central idea that is expanded in a document or discourse

the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work

synonyms : core

to burden

MAIN VERB

to give someone a responsibility or task that demands a great deal of effort or causes a lot of stress

synonyms : charge

weight down with a load

synonyms : burthen

antonyms : unburden

Examples

1. He felt the weight of the heavy burden on his shoulders.

2. During a debate, each debater has the burden of proof to support their arguments and convince the audience of their position.

3. He didn't want to burden his parents, so he paid his way for the trip.

4. In a criminal trial, the prosecution bears the burden of proof to demonstrate the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.