disencumber
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived 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
Whoever wishes to travel should first strive to disencumber himself of what is artificial, and then he will get on capitally.
From A Visit to the Holy Land, Egypt, and Italy by Dulcken, H. W. (Henry William)
In this lonely den, Nathan and Roland began straightway to disencumber themselves of arms and provisions, seeming well satisfied with its convenience.
From Nick of the Woods by Bird, Robert M.
"I think," debated Mr. Jollyface, as he prepared to disencumber himself of his great-coat, "I think I should have wished him good-evening and passed politely, like the—ahem—Levite, on the opposite side of the way."
From The Tale of Lal A Fantasy by Paton, Raymond
He would be a donor from the beginning; before he can be seen to own, he will disencumber, and divide.
From Modern Essays by Ayres, Harry Morgan
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.
