onuses

Noun

onus (countable and uncountable, plural onuses or onera)

1. A legal obligation.
   • The onus is on the landlord to make sure the walls are protected from mildew.
2. Burden of proof, onus probandi.
   • The argument is founded on a principle which is now acknowledged to be universal; and the onus of disproof must lie with those who may be bold enough to take up the position that a region exists where at last the Principle of Continuity fails.1883, Henry Drummond, Natural Law in the Spiritual World
3. Stigma.
   • Geraldine evades the onus of ambition by subordinating it to the service of her family, and escapes the onus of sexuality by bodily mutilation1993, Dorothy Mermin, Godiva's Ride: Women of Letters in England, 1830-1880, page 19
4. Blame.
   • He'll always bear the onus of having caused the accident.
5. Responsibility; burden.
   • The onus is on those who disagree with my proposal to explain why.