encumbrance n. + Add to list UK //ɛnkˈʌmbɹəns// en·cum·brance SynonymsEtymology Synonyms burdenhinderancehindrancehitchincumbranceinterferenceloadonuspreventativepreventiveOriginOFRencombrance→MEencombraunce→ENencumbrance From Middle English encombraunce, from Old French encombrance, from encombrer.