First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
encumber
verb en·cum·ber \in-ˈkəm-bər\
: to make (someone or something) hold or carry something heavy
: to cause problems or difficulties for (someone or something)
en·cum·bereden·cum·ber·ing\-b(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of ENCUMBER
transitive verb
1
: weigh down, burden <tourists encumbered by heavy luggage>
2
: to impede or hamper the function or activity of : hinder <negotiations encumbered by a lack of trust>
3
: to burden with a legal claim (as a mortgage) <encumber an estate>
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Origin of ENCUMBER
Middle English encombren, from Anglo-French encumbrer, from en- + Middle French combre dam, weir
Related to ENCUMBER
Rhymes with ENCUMBER
ENCUMBERED Defined for Kids
encumber
verb en·cum·ber \in-ˈkəm-bər\
en·cum·bereden·cum·ber·ing
Definition of ENCUMBER for Kids
1
: to weigh down : burden <Their heavy coats encumbered the children.>
2
: to cause problems or delays for : hinder <Bad weather encumbered the building project.>
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