encumber

encumber (someone or something) with (something)

To burden or overwhelm someone or something with something. I suspect that your employees haven't come up with a solution yet because you've encumbered them with so many restrictions. Try not to encumber the system with too many operations at once. The guests have encumbered us with so many requests that we're now behind on housekeeping.

See also: encumber

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

encumber someone or something with someone or something

to burden someone or something with someone or something. Please do not try to encumber me with your debts. She encumbered the marriage with a number of children from a previous marriage. She encumbered herself with the weight of both children and her purse.

See also: encumber

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.