The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Burden \Bur"den\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Burdened; p. pr. & vb.
n. Burdening.]
1. To encumber with weight (literal or figurative); to lay a
heavy load upon; to load.
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I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened.
--2 Cor. viii.
13.
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2. To oppress with anything grievous or trying; to overload;
as, to burden a nation with taxes.
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My burdened heart would break. --Shak.
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3. To impose, as a load or burden; to lay or place as a
burden (something heavy or objectionable). [R.]
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It is absurd to burden this act on Cromwell.
--Coleridge.
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Syn: To load; encumber; overload; oppress.
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