Definition of encumber
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 (such as a mortgage)
encumber an estate
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for encumber
The first known use of encumber was in the 14th century
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