encumbered

Encumbered is an adjective meaning burdened, weighed down, or hindered. As a verb, to encumber means to place a burden on someone or something, or to impede progress or movement. The term is used in everyday language and in specialized contexts.

In property law, an encumbrance is a claim or liability attached to real property that may lessen its value or complicate transfer. Common encumbrances include mortgages, liens, easements, covenants, and certain leases. A title search or disclosure statement typically reveals encumbrances, and buyers may assume, satisfy, or negotiate them before purchase.

In accounting and public budgeting, encumbrances refer to funds that are reserved for a future expenditure or set of expenditures. An encumbrance records a commitment, not an actual expense, and helps prevent overspending by ensuring that budgeted funds remain available for the intended obligation. When the obligation is fulfilled, the encumbrance is extinguished; if it is canceled, the funds are released.

In other domains, encumbrance describes physical load or weight that restricts a person or vehicle. For example, being heavily loaded can leave a person encumbered, and in role-playing or strategy games, encumbrance tracks the burden carried by a character, often affecting speed, defense, or actions.

Etymology: encumbered derives from French encombrer, meaning to burden or obstruct, with English adoption expanding the sense from a verb to adjectives and nouns describing burdens.