Encumber Meaning
/ɪnˈkʌmbə(ɹ)/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo load down something with a burden.
verbTo restrict or block something with a hindrance or impediment.
Sentence Examples
I am sorry to encumber you with the children.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Heavy equipment should not ____ the rescue workers trying to reach survivors.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The heavy backpack began to ____ his movement during the long hike.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English encombren, from Old French encombrer, from en- + combrer (“to hinder”) (See cumber). By surface analysis, en- + cumber.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"In the reverse direction, creature comforts were not closely studied, and the vessel left Antwerp at 1 p.m., to arrive in Harwich at the awkward hour of 2 a.m. The boat train was waiting for the weary stream of passengers, who straggled up George Street, encumbered with luggage, or following burdened porters in the darkness."
— 1951 November, K. Westcott Jones, “Parkeston Quay and the Antwerp Continental Service”, in Railway Magazine, page 760:
"He [Timothy Forsyte] had never committed the imprudence of marrying or encumbering himself in any way with children."
— 1906 – 1921, John Galsworthy, “Encounter”, in The Forsyte Saga, volume 1:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Heavy equipment should not ____ the rescue workers trying to reach survivors.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The heavy backpack began to ____ his movement during the long hike.