encumber

Sometimes in·cum·ber

[en-kuhm-ber]

verb (used with object)

1. to impede or hinder; hamper.

   Red tape encumbers all our attempts at action.

2. to block up or fill with what is obstructive or superfluous.

   a mind encumbered with trivial and useless information.

3. to burden or weigh down.

   She was encumbered with a suitcase and several packages.

4. to burden with obligations, debt, etc.

encumber

/ ɪnˈkʌmbə /

verb

1. to hinder or impede; make difficult; hamper

   encumbered with parcels after going shopping at Christmas

   his stupidity encumbers his efforts to learn

2. to fill with superfluous or useless matter

3. to burden with debts, obligations, etc

Other Word Forms

• encumberingly adverb
• unencumbered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encumber¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English encombren, encombre, encomber, from Anglo-French, Middle French encombrer, equivalent to en- prefix + -combrer, verbal derivative of combre “dam, weir,” from early Medieval Latin combrus, from Gaulish comberos (unrecorded) “confluence, bringing together” (compare Quimper, in Brittany, from Breton Kemper ); en- ¹, com-, bear ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of encumber¹

C14: from Old French encombrer, from _en- ¹ + combre a barrier, from Late Latin combrus, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Granted, we had a few clients who had real, provable needs for this kind of certification; people who, like Iris, experienced a grave loss or were visibly encumbered by issues outside of their control.

From Salon

While Season 14 had its fair share of bright spots, it was encumbered by fan expectations and production growing pains.

From Salon

Two questions that have forever encumbered treatment of intellectual responsibility remain with us.

From Salon

The encumbered amount will probably, but not necessarily, be spent eventually.

From Los Angeles Times

Now with a second mandate and significantly less encumbered, America, and the world, will see what he can really do.

From BBC

Related Words

• burden 
• overburden