encumbrance

Plural: encumbrances

Noun

• an onerous or difficult concern
• a charge against property (as a lien or mortgage)
• any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
• Something that encumbers; a burden that must be carried.
• Alternative spelling of incumbrance (“in law: interest attached to a title; dependent”).
• The state or condition of being encumbered.

Verb

• To apply an encumbrance to (property, etc.).

Synonyms

burden, hinderance, hindrance, hitch, incumbrance, interference, load, onus, preventative, preventive, encumberment

Antonyms

unencumbrance