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.

verb

aid , assist , help

verb

block , charge , clog , cramp , discommode , embarrass , hamper , handicap , hang up , hinder , hog-tie , hold up , impede , incommode , inconvenience , lade , load , make difficult , obstruct , oppress , overburden , overload , retard , saddle , saddle with , slow down , tax , trammel , weigh down , weight , burden , cumber , freight , bog , hold back , beset , entangle