Unburden

To relieve (someone or something) of a burden, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical; to free from a load or difficulty. This can involve the removal of a physical weight, the sharing of emotional troubles, the release from a financial obligation, or the shedding of a societal expectation. It implies a process of alleviation, resulting in a feeling of lightness, freedom, or relief. The object of being unburdened can be oneself or another entity. The act often signifies compassion, empathy, or a desire to assist in improving a given situation. The context greatly affects the nature of what's being unburdened – from removing heavy items to confessing a long-held secret.

Unburden meaning with examples

• After weeks of planning and execution, Sarah finally unburdened herself of the responsibility for the charity gala, handing over the final details to the event coordinator. She felt a wave of relief wash over her as she knew the workload was no longer her problem; she could simply sit and enjoy.
• The hiker struggled up the steep incline, his pack weighing heavily on his shoulders. He decided to unburden himself of some of the unnecessary supplies, and leave them at the rest stop so he could complete the final stretch of the trail faster and with greater energy.
• Feeling the weight of her remorse, Maria decided to unburden her guilt by confessing to her friend, admitting her mistake and asking for forgiveness. This led to a new sense of clarity and improved self-esteem and feeling the burden of lying lift.
• The company offered a debt restructuring plan, which aimed to unburden struggling homeowners from the burden of their mortgages, preventing foreclosures and stabilizing the housing market by working out easier repayment plans.
• The therapist encouraged the patient to unburden her emotional trauma by writing in a journal, to express feelings she couldn't voice in the office. It proved to be an effective method for processing her pain in a safe and private place, promoting self-discovery.