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Encumber vs Obstruct - What's the difference?

encumber | obstruct | Synonyms |

As verbs the difference between encumber and obstruct

is that encumber is to load down something with a burden while obstruct is to block or fill (a passage) with obstacles or an obstacle. See Synonyms at block.

encumber

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • to load down something with a burden
  • to restrict or block something with a hindrance or impediment
  • * {{quote-book
  • , year=1906 – 1921 , author= , title= , volume=1 , chapter=Encounter , passage=He [Timothy Forsyte] had never committed the imprudence of marrying or encumbering himself in any way with children.}}
  • to add a legal claim or other obligation
  • Synonyms

    * See also

    Antonyms

    * disencumber, unload, unencumber

    Derived terms

    * encumbrance * encumbrous

    obstruct

    English

    Verb

  • To block or fill (a passage) with obstacles or an obstacle. See Synonyms at block.
  • To impede, retard, or interfere with; hinder: obstructed my progress.
  • To get in the way of so as to hide from sight.
  • Synonyms

    * See also