ENCUMBER Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

encumber

[ en-kuhm-ber ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to impede or hinder; hamper:
Red tape encumbers all our attempts at action.
to block up or fill with what is obstructive or superfluous:
a mind encumbered with trivial and useless information.
to burden or weigh down:
She was encumbered with a suitcase and several packages.
to burden with obligations, debt, etc.

encumber

/ ɪ��ˈ��ʌ��ə /

verb

to hinder or impede; make difficult; hamper
his stupidity encumbers his efforts to learn
encumbered with parcels after going shopping at Christmas
to fill with superfluous or useless matter
to burden with debts, obligations, etc

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Derived Forms

��ˈ��ܳ��Բ��, adverb

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Other �y��vlog Forms

��·��ܳ�b��·��Բ�·�� adverb
�ܲ�e��·��ܳ�b�� adjective

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�y��vlog 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

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of encumber¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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.

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

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

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

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

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