encumbrance Hear it!

encumbrance Definition

en·cum·brance (en kum′brəns, in-)

noun

  1. something that encumbers; hindrance; obstruction; burden
  2. Rare a dependent, esp. a child
  3. Law a lien, charge, or claim attached to real property, as a mortgage

Etymology: ME & OFr encombraunce

encumbrance Synonyms

encumbrance

n.

burden, hindrance, impediment; see burden 2, difficulty 1.

encumbrance Finance Definition

A lien, charge, or claim that is attached to real property. Properties with mortgages are encumbered.

encumbrance Law Definition

n

A financial obligation, such as a mortgage, that is attached to or burdens a property right and is transferred with that right.

encumbrance Usage Examples

Converse of object

have: I was foot loose and fancy free, I hadn't had any female encumbrances since halfway through my training - oh well.

Adjective modifier

  • other: Instead at a stroke we abolish the second chamber, the monarchy and all other such encumbrances.
  • such: Instead at a stroke we abolish the second chamber, the monarchy and all other such encumbrances.
  • early: In the late 1860s he also began to purchase some of the earlier encumbrances charged against the Dufferin estates.
  • added: Walking in the hills is one thing, but doing it with a bike as an added encumbrance made for an interesting morning.