Onus Meaning, Synonyms & Usage - UPSC Vocabulary

Meaning

A burden of responsibility or duty placed on someone

Origin / Etymology

Latin onus, burden, load; related to Sanskrit anas (cart, load)

Synonyms

Burden Responsibility Obligation Duty Liability

Antonyms

Relief Exemption Privilege Discharge

Example Sentence

"The Supreme Court placed the onus on state governments to submit compliance reports on forest encroachment within six weeks."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Precise legal and governance word for GS2 answers. Use when discussing who bears responsibility, e.g., onus on Centre vs. states in cooperative federalism, onus on corporations under ESG norms, or onus on courts versus executive in constitutional enforcement.

Relevant Subjects