encumber

 
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈkʌmbə, ɛn-/

verb

[with object]
  • restrict or impede (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult: she was encumbered by her heavy skirts they had arrived encumbered with families

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'cause trouble to, entangle'; formerly also as incumber): from Old French encombrer 'block up', from en- 'in' + combre 'river barrage'