unburden

American  

[uhn-bur-dn] / ʌnˈbɜr dn /

verb (used with object)

1. to free from a burden.

2. to relieve (one's mind, conscience, etc.) by revealing or confessing something.

3. to cast off or get rid of, as a burden or something burdensome; disclose; reveal.

   He unburdened the worries that plagued him.

   Synonyms:

   confide

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unburden British  

/ ʌnˈbɜːdən /

verb

1. to remove a load or burden from

2. to relieve or make free (one's mind, oneself, etc) of a worry, trouble, etc, by revelation or confession

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Etymology

Origin of unburden

First recorded in 1530–40; un- ² + burden ¹

Explanation

When you remove a difficulty or weight from yourself or someone else, you unburden them. Help unburden a friend by carrying her books or by listening to her troubles. When you unburden someone, you take away some burden — a task, hardship, or even something they're worried about. You can unburden new parents by offering to babysit or unburden your little brother by carrying his backpack for him. Another way to unburden is to relieve of an emotional weight: "You may feel better if you unburden yourself. Want to tell me what's on your mind?"

Example Sentences

After winning the trophy, she spoke about the benefits of therapy in helping her unburden herself.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2025

IFS is a way to unburden the self and have a more integrated inner system, Morin said.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2024

Those who support a more rehabilitative approach have hailed Gascón’s efforts as proof that pursuing a different tack can unburden the criminal justice system and help build lives and communities.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2024

“There’s someone out there who has been carrying this burden for 25 years, and it’s time to let it go and unburden yourself,” Tacoma Detective Julie Dier said.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 23, 2024

White thought that he detected some element of remorse in him, as if he wanted to unburden himself, to protect his wife and children.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann