encumber Hear it!

encumber definition

en·cum·ber (en kum′bər, in-)

transitive verb

  1. to hold back the motion or action of, as with a burden; hinder; hamper
  2. to fill in such a way as to obstruct; block up; obstruct
  3. to load or weigh down, as with claims, debts, etc.; burden

Etymology: ME encombren < OFr encombrer: see en- & cumber

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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