WordWeb Online

1. An onerous or difficult concern
   "the encumbrance of responsibility";
   - burden, load, incumbrance, onus
    
2. A charge against property (as a lien or mortgage)
   - incumbrance
    
3. Any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
   - hindrance, hinderance, hitch, preventive, preventative, incumbrance, interference

Derived forms: encumbrances

Type of: charge, concern, headache, impediment, impedimenta, obstructer, obstruction, obstructor, vexation, worry

Encyclopedia: Encumbrance