encumbrance (n.)

  1. an onerous or difficult concern; the burden of responsibility; thats a load off my mind

    [ Syn: burden , load , incumbrance , onus ]

  2. a charge against property (as a lien or mortgage)

    [ Syn: incumbrance ]

  3. any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome

    [ Syn: hindrance , hinderance , hitch , preventive , preventative , incumbrance , interference ]

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.