onus
noun /ˈəʊnəs/
/ˈəʊnəs/
(usually the onus)
[singular] (formal)- the responsibility for something
- The onus is on employers to follow health and safety laws.
- The onus of proof lies with the prosecution.
- The report puts the onus of children’s early education firmly on the parents.
Word Originmid 17th cent.: from Latin, literally ‘load or burden’.