ENCUMBER

restrain, encumber, cumber

(verb) restrict (someone or something) so as to make free movement difficult

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Verb

encumber (third-person singular simple present encumbers, present participle encumbering, simple past and past participle encumbered)

(transitive) to load down something with a burden

(transitive) to restrict or block something with a hindrance or impediment

(transitive) to burden with a legal claim or other obligation

Synonyms

• See also hinder

Antonyms

• disencumber, unload, unencumber

Source: Wiktionary

En*cum"ber, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Encumbered; p. pr. & vb. n. Encumbering.] Etym: [F. encombrer; pref. en- (L. in) + OF. combrer to hinder. See Cumber, and cf. Incumber.] [Written also incumber.]

1. To impede the motion or action of, as with a burden; to retard with something superfluous; to weigh down; to obstruct or embarrass; as, his movements were encumbered by his mantle; his mind is encumbered with useless learning. Not encumbered with any notable inconvenience. Hooker.

2. To load with debts, or other legal claims; as, to encumber an estate with mortgages.

Syn.

– To load; clog; oppress; overload; embarrass; perplex; hinder; retard; obstruct; check; block.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition