burden

1
[ bur-dn ]
/ ˈbɜr dn /

noun

verb (used with object)

to load heavily.
to load oppressively; trouble.

Origin of burden

1
before 1000; Middle English, variant of burthen, Old English byrthen; akin to German Bürde, Gothic baurthei; see bear1

synonym study for burden

1. See load.

OTHER WORDS FROM burden

bur·den·er, noun bur·den·less, adjective

Definition for burden (2 of 2)

burden 2
[ bur-dn ]
/ ˈbɜr dn /

noun

the main point, message, or idea.
Music. the refrain or recurring chorus of a song.

Origin of burden

2
1275–1325; Middle English bordoun, burdoun < Old French bourdon droning sound, instrument making such a sound

Example sentences from the Web for burden

British Dictionary definitions for burden (1 of 2)

burden 1
/ (ˈbɜːdən) /

noun

something that is carried; load
something that is exacting, oppressive, or difficult to bear the burden of responsibility Related adjective: onerous
nautical
  1. the cargo capacity of a ship
  2. the weight of a ship's cargo

verb (tr)

(sometimes foll by up) to put or impose a burden on; load
to weigh down; oppress the old woman was burdened with cares

Word Origin for burden

Old English byrthen; related to beran to bear 1, Old Frisian berthene burden, Old High German burdin

British Dictionary definitions for burden (2 of 2)

burden 2
/ (ˈbɜːdən) /

noun

a line of words recurring at the end of each verse of a ballad or similar song; chorus or refrain
the principal or recurrent theme of a speech, book, etc
another word for bourdon

Word Origin for burden

C16: from Old French bourdon bass horn, droning sound, of imitative origin