encumber

[ en-kuhm-ber ]

verb (used with object)

1. to impede or hinder; hamper:

   Red tape encumbers all our attempts at action.

2. to block up or fill with what is obstructive or superfluous:

   a mind encumbered with trivial and useless information.

3. to burden or weigh down:

   She was encumbered with a suitcase and several packages.

4. to burden with obligations, debt, etc.

encumber

/ ɪnˈkʌmbə /

verb

1. to hinder or impede; make difficult; hamper

   his stupidity encumbers his efforts to learn

   encumbered with parcels after going shopping at Christmas

2. to fill with superfluous or useless matter
3. to burden with debts, obligations, etc

Derived Forms

• enˈcumberingly, adverb

Other Words From

• en·cumber·ing·ly adverb
• unen·cumbered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encumber¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English encombren, encombre, encomber, from Anglo-French, Middle French encombrer, equivalent to en- prefix + -combrer, verbal derivative of combre “dam, weir,” from early Medieval Latin combrus, from Gaulish comberos (unrecorded) “confluence, bringing together” (compare Quimper, in Brittany, from Breton Kemper ); en- ¹, com-, bear ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of encumber¹

C14: from Old French encombrer, from en- ¹+ combre a barrier, from Late Latin combrus, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

It should not encumber the banking system we need with failed institutions.

From The Daily Beast

He replied that he had no objections, provided she did not encumber the carriage with bandboxes, which were his utter abhorrence.

From Project Gutenberg

Removal of the stationary boats which at present encumber the avenue to the factory gardens at the river-side.

From Project Gutenberg

One little zap would do it, and Alvin Sherdlap would encumber the Earth no more.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the many useless preparations which encumber modern pharmacy.

From Project Gutenberg

The ground must be cleared of the prejudices which encumber it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• burden
• overburden