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encumber

en·cum·ber

encumber

 
 
pronunciation:
ihn kuhm br
features:
Word Combinations (verb)
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: encumbers, encumbering, encumbered
definition 1: to burden, as a heavy load or an obligation.
He dared not ask his sister for help as she was already encumbered with the care of their mother.
synonyms:
burden, oppress, saddle, tax, weight
antonyms:
disencumber
similar words:
clog, overburden, overload, overtax, overwhelm, weigh down
definition 2: to hinder the normal progress, performance, or use of.
The army's advance was encumbered by rough terrain and the breakdown of vehicles.
synonyms:
constrain, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, impede, restrain
antonyms:
disencumber
similar words:
confine, embarrass, fetter, obstruct, retard, shackle, stunt, trammel
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: encumbered (adj.), encumberingly (adv.)