burden

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbəːd(ə)n/

noun

  • 1a load, typically a heavy one.
  • a duty or misfortune that causes worry, hardship, or distress: [with modifier]: the tax burden on low-wage earners
  • the main responsibility for achieving a specified aim or task: the burden of establishing that the authority had misused its powers rests upon the prosecution
  • a ship’s carrying capacity; tonnage: the schooner Wyoming, of about 6,000 tons burden
  • 2 (the burden) the main theme or gist of a speech, book, or argument.
  • 3 archaic the refrain or chorus of a song.

verb

[with object]
  • load heavily: she walked forwards burdened with a wooden box
  • cause (someone) worry, hardship, or distress: they were not yet burdened with adult responsibility

Phrases

burden of proof

the obligation to prove one’s assertion.

Origin:

Old English byrthen, of West Germanic origin; related to bear1