ENCUMBER = (verb) 1. to burden or weigh down; 2. to impede, hamper, or hold back. restrict or burden (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult.

Synonyms: burden, impede, hamper, hinder

Antonyms: help, speed, lighten

When you're climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the fewer encumbrances the better.
To encumber Frank with this additional problem may be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
The monk's movements were encumbered by her heavy skirts

INCIPIENT = (adjective) in an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop. In the beginning of development or formation.

Synonyms: developing, growing, emerging, nascent, initial, beginning, inchoate,

Antonyms: developed, finished, full-blown

- The system detects incipient problems early
Marc's ideas were still incipient and vague; he needed to work them out in more detail.
Democracy is incipient in this African country; give it some time to take hold.

Author:  The useful vocabulary show

Duration: 

Published: 2008-04-22

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