Encumber

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To impede the motion or action of, as with a burden; to retard with something superfluous; to weigh down; to obstruct or embarrass; as, his movements were encumbered by his mantle; his mind is encumbered with useless learning. Not encumbered with any notable inconvenience. Hooker.

2. To load with debts, or other legal claims; as, to encumber an estate with mortgages.

Synonyms: load; clog; oppress; overload; embarrass; perplex; hinder; retard; obstruct; check; block.