Meaning of encumber

en•cum•ber

Pronunciation: (en-kum'bur), [key]

— v.t.

to impede or hinder; hamper; retard: Red tape encumbers all our attempts at action.
to block up or fill with what is obstructive or superfluous: a mind encumbered with trivial and useless information.
to burden or weigh down: She was encumbered with a suitcase and several packages.
to burden with obligations, debt, etc.

See also:

Infoplease Tools

Video Library

A large collection of informational and educational videos from animals and landmarks to language arts and history.
Almanacs

A vast compendium of statistics and up-to-date facts and figures, on everything you need to know.
Dictionary

An unabridged dictionary from aalii to zymurgy, including a pronunciation guide.
Atlas

An atlas featuring maps and detailed profiles of all 193 countries and the 50 U.S. states.
Encyclopedia

A current and comprehensive encyclopedia covering all the major branches of knowledge from astrophysics to Zimbabwe.