burden burden /ˈbɝːdən/

noun

1. () An onerous or difficult concern  ( incumbrance , onus , encumbrance , burden , load )
   an onerous or difficult concern
    The burden of responsibility
   the burden of responsibility
    That's a load off my mind
   that's a load off my mind
   
   
2. () Weight to be borne or conveyed  ( burden , loading , load )
   weight to be borne or conveyed
     The workers unloaded the heavy boxes from the truck.
   The workers unloaded the heavy boxes from the truck.
   
3. The central idea that is expanded in a document or discourse  ( burden )
   the central idea that is expanded in a document or discourse
   
4. The central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work  ( burden , core , essence , effect , gist )
   the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
   

verb

1. Impose a task upon, assign a responsibility to  ( burden , charge , saddle )
   impose a task upon, assign a responsibility to
    He charged her with cleaning up all the files over the weekend
   He charged her with cleaning up all the files over the weekend
   
2. Weight down with a load  ( burden , burthen , weight , weight down )
   weight down with a load