/ Dictionary / Index E encumber: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: en•cum•ber Pronunciation: (en-kum'bur), [key] — v.t. to impede or hinder; hamper; retard: Red tape encumbers all our attempts at action. to block up or fill with what is obstructive or superfluous: a mind encumbered with trivial and useless information. to burden or weigh down: She was encumbered with a suitcase and several packages. to burden with obligations, debt, etc. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. See also: encumber (Thesaurus) enculturation encumbrance Related Content Daily Word Quiz: diaphanous Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language