To free someone from a burden, worry, or responsibility; to unload or lighten.
From dis- (to undo/remove) + burden (from Old Norse 'byrðr', meaning load or weight, entering English via Old French). The meaning evolved from literal unloading to emotional and psychological relief.
This is the word Shakespeare used when characters finally told their secrets—'disburden the conscience' appears across literature as the moment of relief when someone stops hiding what weighs them down.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.