tr.v. en·cum·bered, en·cum·ber·ing, en·cum·bers 1. To cause to have difficulty in moving or in accomplishing something; burden: a hiker encumbered with a heavy pack; a student encumbered with responsibilities. 2. To hinder or impede the action or performance of: restrictions that encumber police work. See Synonyms at hinder1. 3. To burden with legal or financial obligations: an estate that is encumbered with debts. [Middle English encombren, from Old French encombrer, to block up : en-, in; see EN-1 + combre, hindrance (from Gaulish *comboros).] |
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