a heavy load that is difficult to carry, something that is emotionally difficult to bear, a responsibility or duty

a burden on someone's shoulders, a burden shared is a burden halved, put/lay a burden on someone

bear the burden, burden of proof, lighten the burden

Formal and Informal Expressions of burden

In different contexts, you can replace 'burden' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'onus, responsibility' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'load, drag' is a commonplace synonym.

burden: Explore its Definition & Usage

burden Definition

1a heavy load that is difficult to carry
2something that is emotionally difficult to bear
3a responsibility or duty

Using burden: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "burden" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The burden of carrying the heavy boxes was too much for him.
Example
She felt a great burden of guilt after the accident.
Example
It is our burden to ensure that everyone is safe.
Example
The burden of proof lies with the prosecution.

burden Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for burden

Antonyms for burden

Idioms Using burden

a burden on someone's shoulders
a responsibility or problem that someone has to deal with
Example
The financial burden of the family fell on her shoulders after her husband lost his job.
a burden shared is a burden halved
if you share a problem or responsibility with someone else, it becomes easier to deal with
Example
I confided in my friend about my troubles, and she said that a burden shared is a burden halved.
put/lay a burden on someone
to give someone a responsibility or problem to deal with
Example
It's not fair to put the burden of the project on one person; we should all share the workload.

Phrases with burden

bear the burden
to accept and deal with a difficult situation or responsibility
Example
As the leader of the team, he had to bear the burden of making tough decisions.
burden of proof
the obligation to prove one's assertion
Example
In a court of law, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.
lighten the burden
to make something less difficult or oppressive
Example
Hiring an assistant helped to lighten the burden of his workload.

Origins of burden

from Old English 'byrthen'

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Summary: burden in Brief

The term 'burden' [ˈbɜːdn] refers to a heavy load that is difficult to carry, whether physical or emotional. It can also denote a responsibility or duty, as in 'It is our burden to ensure that everyone is safe.' Phrases like 'bear the burden' and idioms like 'a burden shared is a burden halved' suggest ways to cope with burdensome situations.