Noun: encumbrance en'kúm-brun(t)s or in'kúm-brun(t)s
- Any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
"The extra paperwork was an encumbrance to the process";
- hindrance, hinderance [rare], hitch, preventive, preventative, incumbrance
- A charge against property (as a lien or mortgage)
"The title search revealed several encumbrances on the property";
- incumbrance
- An onerous or difficult concern
"the encumbrance of responsibility";
- burden, load, incumbrance, onus
Derived forms: encumbrances
Type of: charge, concern, headache, impediment, impedimenta, obstructer, obstruction, obstructor, vexation, worry
Encyclopedia: Encumbrance