v.
Pronunciation: in- ' k ə m-b ə r
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -cum · bered ; -cum · ber · ing \ -b( ə -)ri ŋ \
Etymology: Middle English encombren, from Anglo-French encumbrer, from en- + Middle French combre dam, weir
Date: 14th century
1 : WEIGH DOWN , BURDEN <tourists encumber ed by heavy luggage>
2 : to impede or hamper the function or activity of : HINDER <negotiations encumber ed by a lack of trust>
3 : to burden with a legal claim (as a mortgage) < encumber an estate>