What is another word for encumber?

Pronunciation: [ɛnkˈʌmbə] (IPA)

Encumber means to hinder, obstruct, or burden. Synonyms for encumber include hamper, impede, complicate, clog, slow down, weigh down, burden, hinder, obstruct, handicap, fetter, shackle, manacle, restrain, deter, prevent, constrict, restrain and block. Each of these synonyms emphasizes a different way of inhibiting or limiting movement or action, whether it be through physical or metaphorical means. Encumbrance can be caused by a variety of factors including obstacles, burdens, or restrictions. Whether in physical or abstract contexts, these synonyms convey a sense of difficulty and struggle that hinder forward progress or success.

Synonyms for Encumber:

What are the paraphrases for Encumber?

Paraphrases are restatements of text or speech using different words and phrasing to convey the same meaning.
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What are the hypernyms for Encumber?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the opposite words for encumber?

Encumber, a verb that means to hinder or impede progress, has antonyms, as does any word in the English language. The opposite of encumber is to unburden, loosen or free. When we unburden, we release ourselves from a burden, difficulty, or responsibility that can hinder our progress or stunt our development. Some other antonyms for encumber include facilitate, aid, relieve, and lighten. These words express the idea of helping or supporting in various ways, rather than impeding, as encumber does. To facilitate means to make something easier, to aid means to provide support, and to relieve means to reduce or alleviate a burden.

What are the antonyms for Encumber?

Usage examples for Encumber

That practical advantage in the struggle for existence must necessarily accompany increased specialization of organs, and thus produce a "higher" organization, was a prime point of Mr. Darwin's argument, though at the same time he found himself compelled to encumber it with qualifications which go very far to neutralize its force; for he had to explain the obvious fact that so many creatures which represent the lowest and least specialized forms of life, have survived down to our own time.
"The Old Riddle and the Newest Answer"
John Gerard
The shoals and sandbanks which abound on the outside of the bay, continue to encumber the navigation after it is entered, and the fleet was in consequence compelled to anchor every night.
"The Campaigns of the British Army at Washington and New Orleans 1814-1815"
G. R. Gleig
These serious reflections took about ten seconds to pass through my mind, as the grave-looking old servant proceeded to encumber himself with my cloak and my pistol-case, remarking as he lifted the latter, "And may the Lord grant ye won't want the instruments this time, doctor, for they say he is better this morning;" heartily wishing amen to the benevolent prayer of the honest domestic, for more reasons than one, I descended leisurely, as I conjectured a doctor ought to do, from the chaise, and with a solemn pace and grave demeanour followed him into the house.
"The Confessions of Harry Lorrequer, Complete"
Charles James Lever (1806-1872)

Famous quotes with Encumber

  • It may be a question whether machinery does not encumber; whether we have not lost by refinement some energy, by a Christianity entrenched in establishments and forms, some vigor of wild virtue. For every Stoic was a Stoic; but in Christendom where is the Christian?
    Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • "Which pye being open'd they began to sing" (This old song and new simile holds good), "A dainty dish to set before the king," Or Regent, who admires such kind of food; And Coleridge, too, has lately taken wing, But like a hawk encumber'd with his hood, Explaining Metaphysics to the nation— I wish he would explain his Explanation.
    Robert Southey

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