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
Ye Chieftains disencumber Your eyes of clogging slumber; Ye mighty friends of Attil, The far-renown’d in battle!
From Targum by George Henry Borrow
I had previously bought several of such things at Constantinople, and did not choose to encumber myself, or to speak more honestly, I did not choose to disencumber my purse by making any more purchases.
From Eothen, or, Traces of Travel Brought Home from the East by Alexander William Kinglake
He therefore very complacently and coolly began to disencumber himself of this detestable article of the tailor's skill.
From Nature and Human Nature by Thomas Chandler Haliburton
I now entreated the men to disencumber themselves of a portion of the loads which they were attempting to carry.
From Journals of Two Expeditions of Discovery in North-West and Western Australia, Volume 2 by George Grey
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