encumber
pronunciation
How to pronounce encumber in British English:
UK [ɪnˈkʌmbə(r)]
How to pronounce encumber in American English:
US [ɪnˈkʌmbər]
-
- Verb:
- hold back
Word Origin
- encumber (v.)
- early 14c., "burden, vex, inconvenience," from Old French encombrer "to block up, hinder, thwart," from Late Latin incombrare, from in- "in" (see in- (2)) + combrus "barricade, obstacle," probably from Latin cumulus "heap" (see cumulus). Meaning "hinder, hamper" is attested in English from late 14c. Related: Encumbered; encumbering.
Example
- 1. They can 't encumber us on the road .
- 2. But covered bonds encumber bank assets , leaving less for other creditors .
- 3. I don 't want to encumber myself with unnecessary luggage .
- 4. Objects , such as provisions or baggage , that impede or encumber .
- 5. One should not encumber oneself with hire purchase repayments at the beginning of a marriage .