encumber

Etymology

From Middle English encombren, from Old French encombrer, from en- + combrer (“to hinder”); see cumber.

verb

1. (transitive) To load down something with a burden.
2. (transitive) To restrict or block something with a hindrance or impediment.
   He [Timothy Forsyte] had never committed the imprudence of marrying or encumbering himself in any way with children. 1906 – 1921, John Galsworthy, “Encounter”, in The Forsyte Saga, volume 1
3. (transitive) To burden with a legal claim or other obligation.