encumber etymology

Etymology:

• Old French: encumbrer
• Latin: incumbere ("to lie upon, press down")

Meaning:

To burden or hinder someone or something with a debt, obligation, or difficulty.

Origin:

The word "encumber" comes from the Old French word "encumbrer," which in turn derives from the Latin word "incumbere." The Latin word "incumbere" means "to lie upon, press down," and is related to the verb "incubo" meaning "to lie on something."

The figurative sense of "encumber" as "to burden or hinder" developed from the literal sense of "to lie upon or press down." Just as a heavy object can physically hinder someone or something, so too can a debt, obligation, or difficulty hinder their progress or well-being.

Usage:

• The mortgage encumbered the property, making it difficult to sell.
• The athlete was encumbered by injuries, preventing her from performing at her best.
• The government's excessive regulation encumbered businesses, stifling economic growth.

encumber relate terms

• cumulus

  Etymology The word cumulus is derived from the Latin word cumulus meaning heap or

• disencumber

  Etymology dis prefix away apart opposite of encumber verb to hinder o

• encumber

  Etymology Old French encumbrer Latin incumbere to lie upon press down Meaning

• pester

  Etymology and Meaning The word pester comes from the Middle English pesteren which i

• cloy

  Etymology Meaning and Origin of Cloy Etymology Middle English cloien cloien Old

• bridle

  Etymology Middle English bridel from Old English brīdel Proto Germanic bridilōn

• constrain

  Etymology Origin Latin constringere meaning to draw together bind Root com toget

• clog

  Etymology The word clog originates from the Middle English word clegge which means

• trammel

  Etymology The word trammel comes from the Middle French word tramail which in turn c

• curb

  Meaning A word or phrase that has been altered in pronunciation and meaning by folk etymo

• bound

  Etymology Old English bindan Proto Germanic bindaną Meaning To tie fasten

• limit

  Etymology The word limit comes from the Latin word limes which originally meant bou