Need another word for Burden? Use these synonyms of Burden from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
load
weight
encumbrance
onus
responsibility
duty
obligation
charge
liability
concern
worry
care
trouble
anxiety
strain
pressure
stress
hardship
affliction
oppression
yoke
millstone
albatross
hindrance
impediment
obstacle
barrier
hindrance
impediment
obstruction
difficulty
problem
nuisance
plague
pest
bother
inconvenience
nuisance
vexation
irritation
frustration
exasperation
desperation
Meaning of Burden
The primary meaning of the word "burden" is a heavy load or responsibility that someone or something has to carry or bear.
Definitions
- A heavy load, especially one that is carried or borne with difficulty
- A responsibility or worry that weighs heavily on someone's mind
- A person or thing that is very difficult to cope with or that causes a lot of problems
Etymology of Burden
The word "burden" comes from Old English "byrthen", which is derived from "byrþan", meaning "to bear" or "to carry"
The word has been used in English since the 9th century to refer to a physical load or weight, and later also to refer to a mental or emotional load, such as a responsibility or worry
Example Uses
- The company has a heavy burden of debt that it needs to pay off
- The news of her illness was a great burden to her family
- The hikers had to carry a heavy burden of gear up the mountain
- The teacher felt a burden of responsibility to ensure her students were well-prepared for the exam
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
relief
comfort
ease
convenience
freedom
liberation
release
respite
rest
relaxation
calm
tranquility
peace
serenity
solace
consolation
alleviation
mitigation
lightening
easing
simplification
facilitation
assistance
support
aid
help
succor