encumber
[ en-kuhm-ber ]
/ ɛnˈkʌm bər /
verb (used with object)
to impede or hinder; hamper; retard: Red tape encumbers all our attempts at action.
to block up or fill with what is obstructive or superfluous: a mind encumbered with trivial and useless information.
to burden or weigh down: She was encumbered with a suitcase and several packages.
to burden with obligations, debt, etc.
Also
incumber.
Origin of encumber
OTHER WORDS FROM encumber
en·cum·ber·ing·ly, adverb un·en·cum·bered, adjectiveWords nearby encumber
encrustation,
encrypt,
encryption,
enculturate,
enculturation,
encumber,
encumbrance,
encumbrancer,
ency.,
encyclical,
encyclopedia
Example sentences from the Web for encumbering
British Dictionary definitions for encumbering
encumber
incumber
/ (ɪnˈkʌmbə) /
verb (tr)
to hinder or impede; make difficult; hamper
encumbered with parcels after going shopping at Christmas; his stupidity encumbers his efforts to learn
to fill with superfluous or useless matter
to burden with debts, obligations, etc
Derived forms of encumber
encumberingly or incumberingly, adverbWord Origin for encumber
C14: from Old French
encombrer, from
en-
1 +
combre a barrier, from Late Latin
combrus, of uncertain origin