/ ˈbɜːdn; NAmE ˈbɜːrdn/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
the ~ (of sth) | a ~ (on / to sb) a duty, responsibility, etc. that causes worry, difficulty or hard work :
to bear / carry / ease / reduce / share the burden
The main burden of caring for old people falls on the state.
the heavy tax burden on working people
I don't want to become a burden to my children when I'm old.
2.
( formal ) a heavy load that is difficult to carry
—see also beast of burden
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
burden sb / yourself (with sth) to give sb a duty, responsibility, etc. that causes worry, difficulty or hard work :
They have burdened themselves with a high mortgage.
I don't want to burden you with my worries.
to be burdened by high taxation
OPP unburden
2.
be burdened with sth to be carrying sth heavy :
She got off the bus, burdened with two heavy suitcases.
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English byrthen , of West Germanic origin; related to the verb bear .