ontlasten

Ontlasten is a Dutch verb meaning to relieve or unburden someone or something from a burden. It can be used in a literal sense, such as unloading a physical load in logistics, and in a figurative sense, such as reducing workload, stress, or administrative obligations.

Etymology and usage: The prefix ont- indicates removal or reversal, and lasten means loads or burdens. Traditionally used in transport and logistics to describe offloading goods, ontlasten has broadened in usage to refer to policies, processes, and practices aimed at reducing burdens on people, organizations, or systems. It is common in discussions about administration, healthcare, education, and work.

Contexts and examples: In logistics, ontlasten denotes unloading cargo to facilitate distribution. In public policy and administration, phrases like ontlasten van de administratieve lasten refer to reducing bureaucratic requirements for citizens or businesses. In healthcare and caregiving, ontlasten describes measures that lessen the burden on caregivers or patients, such as delegating tasks or simplifying procedures. In education and workplaces, it can mean lowering workload or streamlining processes to ease pressure.

Related terms: Ontlasting is the noun form meaning relief or unloading. Synonyms include lasten verlichten (to lighten the burdens) and measures referred to as ontlastingsmaatregelen (relief measures).