encumber v. + Add to list US //ɛnˈkəmbɝ// UK //ɛnkˈʌmbɐ// en·cum·ber SynonymsEtymology Synonyms constraincumberrestrainOriginOFRencombrer→MEencombren→ENencumber From Middle English encombren, from Old French encombrer, from en- + combrer (“to hinder”); see cumber. By surface analysis, en- + cumber.