encumber

Encumber is a transitive verb meaning to place a burden on someone or something, thereby hindering movement, progress, or freedom. It can refer to a physical load or to obligations that restrict action. The related noun forms are encumbrance and encumbrances, describing burdens or hindrances themselves. The adjective forms are encumbered and encumbering.

The word derives from en- “to cause to be” and the noun cumber, an old term for burden. It entered English in the medieval period through Old French derivatives, and its sense has evolved to cover both physical and figurative burdens.

In everyday language, encumber emphasizes a burden that slows or weighs down. For example, fallen branches encumber the trail. Figurative uses are common as well, such as “the project was encumbered by red tape” or “he was encumbered with debt.” The sense tends to imply a heavier or more persistent hindrance than simple synonyms like burden or impede.

In law and finance, encumbrance has specialized meanings. In real estate, an encumbrance is a claim or restriction on property that may affect title or transfer, such as a mortgage, easement, or lien. In budgeting and accounting, to encumber funds is to commit a portion of appropriations for a specific obligation, creating an encumbrance against available funds. These usages reflect the core idea: a constraint that limits future actions or transfers.