Main Entry: en·cum·ber

Pronunciation: \in-ˈkəm-bər\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): en·cum·bered; en·cum·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\

Etymology: Middle English encombren, from Anglo-French encumbrer, from en- + Middle French combre dam, weir

Date: 14th century

1 : weigh down, burden <tourists encumbered by heavy luggage>
2 : to impede or hamper the function or activity of : hinder <negotiations encumbered by a lack of trust>
3 : to burden with a legal claim (as a mortgage) <encumber an estate>