encumber

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To load down something with a burden.

   In the reverse direction, creature comforts were not closely studied, and the vessel left Antwerp at 1 p.m., to arrive in Harwich at the awkward hour of 2 a.m. The boat train was waiting for the weary stream of passengers, who straggled up George Street, encumbered with luggage, or following burdened porters in the darkness.

2. 2
   verb

   To restrict or block something with a hindrance or impediment.

   He [Timothy Forsyte] had never committed the imprudence of marrying or encumbering himself in any way with children.

3. 3
   verb

   hold back

4. 4
   verb

   To burden with a legal claim or other obligation.

Etymology

From Middle English encombren, from Old French encombrer, from en- + combrer (“to hinder”); see cumber. By surface analysis, en- + cumber.