burden

/ˈbər-dᵊn/

Middle English, from Old English byrthen; akin to Old English beran to carry

noun

  1. something that is carried : load

  2. duty, responsibility

  3. something oppressive or worrisome

dropped his burden of firewood

forced to bear the burden of caring for her aging parents

verb

  1. load, oppress

I will not burden you with a lengthy account.

noun

  1. a central topic : theme

  2. chorus, refrain

  3. a bass or accompanying part

the burden of the argument