English Explanatory Dictionary

encumber

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To load down something with a burden.
  2. To restrict or block something with a hindrance or impediment.
  3. To burden with a legal claim or other obligation.

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈkʌmbə(ɹ)/ /ɛnˈkʌmbə(ɹ)/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vininn126-encumber.wav

Word forms

encumber encumbers encumbering encumbered incumber

Etymology

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

Antonyms

disencumber unload unencumber

Related words

cumber cumbersome incumbrance unencumber

Derived words

encumberer encumberment encumbrance encumbrous overencumber unencumberable
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