laden
UK: ˈleɪd(ə)n | US: ˈleɪd(ə)n
adj. heavily loaded or weighed down
vt. to load or burden (a person, vehicle, or vessel)
laden = lad<load> + en<past participle suffix>
- lad (from Old English hladan, meaning "to load, heap up")
- en (a past participle suffix in Old English, indicating a completed action or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word "laden" traces back to Old English hladen, the past participle of hladan ("to load"). It originally described the state of being loaded, especially with cargo or burdens. Over time, it retained its core meaning of "heavily loaded" while expanding metaphorically to describe emotional or abstract burdens (e.g., "laden with guilt"). The morpheme lad- survives in modern German laden ("to load"), reflecting shared Germanic roots.
The truck was laden with fresh produce for the market.
She walked slowly, her heart laden with sorrow.
The branches were laden with ripe apples after the summer rains.
Sailors labored to secure the ship, now laden with treasure.
His speech was laden with hidden meaning, leaving the audience thoughtful.