Encumbrance
/ɪnˈkʌm.bɹəns/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Something that encumbers; a burden that must be carried. countable, uncountable
"Some consideration was necessary to decide whether or not to leave his rifle there. On the return, carrying the girl and a pack, it would be added encumbrance[…]"
- 2 any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome wordnet
- 3 Alternative spelling of incumbrance (“in law: interest attached to a title; dependent”). alt-of, alternative, countable, uncountable
- 4 an onerous or difficult concern wordnet
- 5 The state or condition of being encumbered. countable, uncountable
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- 6 a charge against property (as a lien or mortgage) wordnet
Verb
- 1 To apply an encumbrance to (property, etc.).
Example
More examples"Since the temperature has warmed, my coat has become an encumbrance."
Etymology
From Middle English encombraunce, from Old French encombrance, from encombrer.