encumber
verb/ɪnˈkʌmbə(ɹ)/ · /ɛnˈkʌmbə(ɹ)/
Etymology From Middle English encombren, from Old French encombrer, from en- + combrer (“to hinder”) (See cumber). By surface analysis, en- + cumber.
1
To load down something with a burden.
- In the reverse direction, creature comforts were not closely studied, and the vessel left Antwerp at 1 p.m., to arrive in Harwich at the awkward hour of 2 a.m. The boat train was waiting for the weary stream of passengers, who straggled up George Street, encumbered with luggage, or following burdened porters in the darkness.1951 November, K. Westcott Jones, “Parkeston Quay and the Antwerp Continental Service”, in Railway Magazine, page 760:
2
To restrict or block something with a hindrance or impediment.
- He [Timothy Forsyte] had never committed the imprudence of marrying or encumbering himself in any way with children.1906 – 1921, John Galsworthy, “Encounter”, in The Forsyte Saga, volume 1:
3
To burden with a legal claim or other obligation.
- Antonyms
- disencumber, unload, unencumber
- Derived terms
- encumberer, encumberment, encumbrance, encumbrous, overencumber, unencumberable
- Related terms
- cumber, cumbersome, incumbrance, unencumber