burden

Definition

  • noun: something heavy that is carried
  • noun: something that is carried
  • verb: to make (someone) hold or carry something heavy or accept or deal with something difficult
  • often + 'on'
  • synonyms: load, load, birth

Examples

  • The 'burden of proof' is on the plaintiff, since the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. [=the plaintiff must prove that the defendant is guilty]

  • The 'tax burden' has been falling increasingly on the middle class. [=middle class people have been paying a greater portion of taxes]

  • For the rest of his life he 'was burdened' with the knowledge that he had done nothing to help them.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) It can be a hard place. I don't know why I asked you to come. Why don't you talk to him about it? Tell him how you feel. I can't. You know, I can't be a burden. Especially now. I'll get used to things... you know? I wanted to talk to someone... who's lived here for a long time. (..)
    1995 Se7en