encumber

<font size="-1" face="arial, helvetica"> <p> <strong> <font color="#000066">Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 10, 2020 is:</font> </strong> </p> <p> <strong>encumber</strong> &#149; \in-KUM-ber\&nbsp; &#149; <em>verb</em><br /> <p><strong>1 :</strong> <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weigh%20down">weigh down</a>, <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burden#h2">burden</a></p> <p><strong>2 :</strong> to impede or hamper the function or activity of <strong>:</strong> <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hinder">hinder</a></p> <p><strong>3 :</strong> to burden with a legal claim (such as a mortgage)</p> </p> <p> <strong>Examples:</strong><br /> <p>"Those who do handle radioactive material must first don protective suits that are inherently cumbersome and are further <em>encumbered</em> by the air hoses needed to allow the wearer to breathe." — <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2019/06/20/cleaning-up-nuclear-waste-is-an-obvious-task-for-robots"><em>The Economist</em>, 20 June 2019</a></p> <p>"'The water reservoir is absolutely needed in Vernon Hills,' said David Brown, Vernon Hills' public works director/village engineer. While supportive, the village thinks there are 'some other viable locations in town,' he added. So does the park district, which owns the land but is <em>encumbered</em> by an <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/easement">easement</a>…." — Mick Zawislak, <em>The Chicago Daily Herald</em>, 1 Aug. 2020</p> </p> <p> <strong>Did you know?</strong><br /> <p>In Old French, the noun <em>combre</em> meant a defensive obstacle formed by felled trees with sharpened branches facing the enemy. Later, in Middle French, <em>combre</em> referred to a barrier, similar to a dam or <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weir">weir</a>, constructed in the bed of a river to hold back fish or protect the banks. That notion of holding back is wh