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Encumber
//ɪnˈkʌmbə(ɹ)// verb
Definitions
Verb
- 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 restrict (someone or something) so as to make free movement difficult wordnet
- 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 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.
See also for "encumber"
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