definition of
burden

[1] #1 burden n. [load, encumbrance, incumbrance, onus] an onerous or difficult concern; "the burden of responsibility"; "that's a load off my mind". wn

[2] #2 burden n. [load, loading] weight to be borne or conveyed. wn

[3] #3 burden v. [burthen, weight, weight down] weight down with a load. wn

[4] #4 burden v. [charge, saddle] impose a task upon, assign a responsibility to; "He charged her with cleaning up all the files over the weekend". wn

[5] #5 burden n. [effect, essence, core, gist] the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work. wn