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