encumber or incumber(ɪnˈkʌmbə
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to hinder or impede; make difficult; hamper ⇒
encumbered with parcels after going shopping at Christmas
his stupidity encumbers his efforts to learn
- to fill with superfluous or useless matter
- to burden with debts, obligations, etc
Alternative Forms
enˈcumberingly inˈcumberingly adverb Word Origin
C14: from Old French encombrer, from en-C14: from Old French from 1 + a barrier, from Late Latin of uncertain origin + combre a barrier, from Late Latin combrus, of uncertain origin
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
hamper,
restrict,
handicap,
slow down,
cramp,
inhibit,
clog,
hinder,
inconvenience,
overload,
impede,
weigh down,
trammel,
incommode,
