1. encumbrance(n = noun.cognition) burden, incumbrance, load, onus - an onerous or difficult concern; "the burden of responsibility"; "that's a load off my mind"
is a kind of concern, headache, vexation, worry
has particulars: dead weight, fardel, imposition, pill
2. encumbrance(n = noun.possession) incumbrance - a charge against property (as a lien or mortgage);
is a kind of charge
3. encumbrance(n = noun.artifact) hinderance, hindrance, hitch, incumbrance, interference, preventative, preventive - any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome;
is a kind of impediment, impedimenta, obstructer, obstruction, obstructor
has particulars: clog, speed bump
1. That which encumbers; a burden which impedes action, or renders it difficult and laborious; a clog; an impediment. See Incumbrance. [1913 Webster]
2. Same as Incumbrance.
encumbrance, n.
1 a burden.
2 an impediment.
3 a mortgage or other charge on property.
4 an annoyance.
Idiom:
without encumbrance having no children.
Etymology:
ME f. OF encombrance (as ENCUMBER)
N hindrance, prevention, preclusion, obstruction, stoppage, embolus, embolism, infarct, interruption, interception, interclusion, hindrance, impedition, retardment, retardation, embarrassment, oppilation, coarctation, stricture, restriction, restraint, inhibition, blockade, interference, interposition, obtrusion, discouragement, discountenance, impediment, let, obstacle, obstruction, knot, knag, check, hitch, contretemps, screw loose, grit in the oil, bar, stile, barrier, turnstile, turnpike, gate, portcullis, beaver dam, trocha, barricade, wall, dead wall, sea wall, levee breakwater, groyne, bulkhead, block, buffer, stopper, boom, dam, weir, burrock, drawback, objection, stumbling-block, stumbling-stone, lion in the path, snag, snags and sawyers, encumbrance, incumbrance, clog, skid, shoe, spoke, drag, drag chain, drag weight, stay, stop, preventive, prophylactic, load, burden, fardel, onus, millstone round one's neck, impedimenta, dead weight, lumber, pack, nightmare, Ephialtes, incubus, old man of the sea, remora, difficulty, insuperable, obstacle, estoppel, ill wind, head wind, trammel, tether, hold back, counterpoise, damper, wet blanket, hinderer, marplot, killjoy, party pooper, party crasher, interloper, trail of a red herring, opponent, hindering, obstructive, obstruent, impeditive, impedient, intercipient, prophylactic, impedimentary, in the way of, unfavorable, onerous, burdensome, cumbrous, cumbersome, obtrusive, hindered, windbound, waterlogged, heavy laden, hard pressed, unassisted &c (assist), single-handed, alone, deserted, occurrent nubes.