disencumber
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of disencumber
1590–1600; < Middle French desencombrer, equivalent to des- dis- 1 + encombrer to encumber
Explanation
To free someone from a burden or difficult situation is to disencumber them. You might try to disencumber yourself from the responsibility of walking the dog by bribing your sister to do it. Want to make your life less complicated or otherwise free yourself from some obstacle? You need to disencumber yourself. Things from which people disencumber themselves tend to be obligations, guilt, relationships, and other complexities of life. Disencumber comes from the verb encumber and its Latin source combrus, "barricade or obstacle."
Vocabulary lists containing disencumber
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Yang’s resignation from the boards of Alibaba and Yahoo Japan should disencumber negotiations around a potential deal for those assets, a positive for the stock.
From Forbes ● Jan. 18, 2012
It is not so easily persuaded to disencumber us.
From The Sea and the Jungle by H. M. (Henry Major) Tomlinson
He would be a donor from the beginning; before he can be seen to own, he will disencumber, and divide.
From Modern Essays by Harry Morgan Ayres
But before Daly could disencumber himself of his weapons and costume, Helen entered the hall.
From The Knight Of Gwynne, Vol. II (of II) by Charles James Lever
Countless numbers of haversacks were strewn about, doubtless cast away by the soldiers to disencumber themselves in falling quickly back from one position to another.
From Liége on the Line of March An American Girl's Experiences When the Germans Came Through Belgium by Glenna Lindsley Bigelow
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
