Encumber: meaning, definitions and examples

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encumber

 

[ ɪnˈkʌmbər ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

financial

Restrict or impede (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult.

Synonyms

burden, hamper, hinder, impede, restrict

Examples of usage

  • Her debts encumbered her ability to travel.
  • The new regulations encumbered the company's ability to innovate.
  • Excessive paperwork encumbered the process of getting a loan.
  • His emotional baggage encumbered his relationships.
  • The heavy workload encumbered her productivity.

Translations

Translations of the word "encumber" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obstruir

🇮🇳 बाधा डालना

🇩🇪 belasten

🇮🇩 menghambat

🇺🇦 перешкоджати

🇵🇱 obciążać

🇯🇵 妨げる

🇫🇷 entraver

🇪🇸 obstruir

🇹🇷 engellemek

🇰🇷 방해하다

🇸🇦 يعيق

🇨🇿 zatěžovat

🇸🇰 ťažkať

🇨🇳 妨碍

🇸🇮 ovirati

🇮🇸 hamla

🇰🇿 кедергі жасау

🇬🇪 შექმნა დაბრკოლება

🇦🇿 maneə törətmək

🇲🇽 obstruir

Etymology

The word 'encumber' originated from the Middle English word 'encumbren', which means 'to burden'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The term evolved from Old French 'encombrer' and Latin 'incumbere', both of which have similar meanings related to burdening or hindering. Over time, 'encumber' has come to be associated with various forms of restriction or obstruction.

See also: encumbered, encumbrance.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,988, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.