Encumber

//ɪnˈkʌmbə(ɹ)// verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To load down something with a burden. transitive

    "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."

  2. 2
    restrict (someone or something) so as to make free movement difficult wordnet
  3. 3
    To restrict or block something with a hindrance or impediment. transitive

    "He [Timothy Forsyte] had never committed the imprudence of marrying or encumbering himself in any way with children."

  4. 4
    To burden with a legal claim or other obligation. transitive

Etymology

From Middle English encombren, from Old French encombrer, from en- + combrer (“to hinder”); see cumber. By surface analysis, en- + cumber.

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