BURDEN
noun
Synonyms
Burden, Load. A burden is, in the literal sense, a weight to be borne; a load is something laid upon us to be carried. Hence, when used figuratively, there is usually a difference between the two words. Our burdens may be of such a nature that we feel bound to bear them cheerfully or without complaint. They may arise from the nature of our situation; they may be allotments of Providence; they may be the consequences of our errors. What is upon us, as a load, we commonly carry with greater reluctance or sense of oppression. Men often find the charge of their own families to be a burden; but if to this be added a load of care for others, the pressure is usually serve and irksome.
Definitions
- 1. That which is borne or carried; a load. Plants with goodly burden bowing. Shak.
- 2. That which is borne with labor or difficulty; that which is grievous, wearisome, or oppressive. Deaf, giddy, helpless, left alone, To all my friends a burden grown. Swift.
- 3. The capacity of a vessel, or the weight of cargo that she will carry; as, a ship of a hundred tons burden.
- 4. The tops or heads of stream-work which lie over the stream of tin.
- 5. The proportion of ore and flux to fuel, in the charge of a blast furnace. Raymond.
- 6. A fixed quantity of certain commodities; as, a burden of gad steel, 120 pounds.
- 7. A birth. [Obs. & R.] Shak. Beast of burden, an animal employed in carrying burdens. -- Burden of proof Etym: [L. onus probandi] (Law), the duty of proving a particular position in a court of law, a failure in the performance of which duty calls for judgment against the party on whom the duty is imposed.
Other Definitions
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Added: October 09, 2025
Updated: October 09, 2025
