Burden
/ˈbɜːr.dən/noun
A load, typically a heavy one, that is carried or borne.
Did you know?The term 'burden' is linked to ancient notions of carrying not just physical loads, but also emotional and spiritual weights, often in the context of sacrifice.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhergh
“To carry or to lift.”
Old English
OE
byrdan
“To carry, to give birth (to).”
Middle English
ME
burden
“A load or cargo, especially one that weighs heavily.”
14th Century
Middle English
burdeyn
“A heavy load, both physical and metaphorical.”
Modern English
English
burden
“A weight to be carried, often with emotional or moral implications.”