Encumber — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /in-ˈkəm-bər/ en·cum·ber

Meaning & Definition of Encumber

Encumber (verb)

  1. weigh down, burden
  2. to impede or hamper the function or activity of, hinder
  3. to burden with a legal claim (such as a mortgage)

Encumber (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to create difficulty for the work or activity of

    "the claim that all of these regulations encumber doctors, taking time away from the actual practice of medicine"

    similar: clog, cramp, embarrass, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel, cramp one's style, give a hard time
    related: balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie, arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard, barricade, block, blockade, roadblock, bog (down), mire, choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate, baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart, derail, disrupt, sabotage, muzzle, repress, suppress, confine, hedge (in), hem (in)
    opposite: aid, assist, facilitate, help
    near: clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop, free, liberate, release, untie, loosen, smooth, encourage, further, promote

  2. to place a weight or burden on

    "don't encumber your pack animal so much that it can hardly move"

    similar: burden, freight, lade, laden, load, lumber, saddle, weight
    related: clog, clutter, fill, pack, heap, mound, pile, stack, press, weigh, strain, tax, overburden, overload, overtax, surcharge, hamper, handicap, afflict, oppress
    opposite: disburden, discharge, disencumber, unburden, unlade, unload
    near: alleviate, ease, lighten, relieve

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Encumber

The most common words with a similar meaning to Encumber:

clog, cramp, embarrass, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel, burden, freight, lade, laden, load, lumber, saddle, weight, cramp one's style, give a hard time

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Encumber

Words with the opposite meaning of Encumber:

aid, assist, facilitate, help, disburden, discharge, disencumber, unburden, unlade, unload

Related Words for Encumber

balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie, arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard, barricade, block, blockade, roadblock, bog (down), mire, choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate, baffle, foil

Near Antonyms of Encumber

clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop, free, liberate, release, untie, loosen, smooth, encourage, further, promote, alleviate, ease, lighten, relieve

Word Forms of Encumber

Inflections: encumbered, encumbering

Origin & Etymology of Encumber

Middle English encombren, from Anglo-French encumbrer, from en- + Middle French combre dam, weir

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Encumber

What does "Encumber" mean?

"Encumber" means weigh down, burden. As a verb, it is defined as: weigh down, burden. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Encumber"?

Other words for "Encumber" include clog, cramp, embarrass, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap and hinder. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Encumber" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Encumber"?

There are 91 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Encumber". Common alternatives include clog, cramp, embarrass, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble and hog-tie.

What is the opposite of "Encumber"?

Antonyms of "Encumber" include aid, assist, facilitate, help, disburden, discharge, disencumber and unburden. Near antonyms include clear, make way, open and unclog.

How do you use "Encumber" in a sentence?

Examples of "Encumber" in a sentence: "the claim that all of these regulations encumber doctors, taking time away from the actual practice of medicine"; "don't encumber your pack animal so much that it can hardly move".

Is "Encumber" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Encumber" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Encumber"?

"Encumber" is pronounced /in-ˈkəm-bər/ and divided into syllables as en·cum·ber.

What is the origin of the word "Encumber"?

"Encumber" comes from Middle English encombren, from Anglo-French encumbrer, from en- + Middle French combre dam, weir. First known use: 14th century.