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.
I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened.
2 Cor. viii. 13.
2. To oppress with anything grievous or trying; to overload; as, to burden a nation with taxes.
My burdened heart would break.
Shak.
3. To impose, as a load or burden; to lay or place as a burden (something heavy or objectionable).
It is absurd to burden this act on Cromwell.
Coleridge.
Syn. — To load; encumber; overload; oppress.