encumber

1 to create difficulty for the work or activity of <the claim that all of these regulations encumber doctors, taking time away from the actual practice of medicine> Synonyms clog, cramp, embarrass, hamper, fetter, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammelRelated Words balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain; bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie; arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard; barricade, block, blockade, roadblock; bog (down), mire; choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate; baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart; derail, disrupt, sabotage; muzzle, repress, suppress; confine, hedge (in), hem (in)Near Antonyms clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop; free, liberate, release, untie; loosen, smooth; encourage, further, promoteAntonyms aid, assist, facilitate, help

2 to place a weight or burden on <don't encumber your pack animal so much that it can hardly move> Synonyms burden, load, freight, lade, laden, lumber, saddle, weightRelated Words clog, clutter, fill, pack; heap, mound, pile, stack; press, weigh; strain, tax; overburden, overload, overtax, surcharge; hamper, handicap; afflict, oppressNear Antonyms alleviate, ease, lighten, relieveAntonyms disburden, discharge, disencumber, unburden, unlade, unload