Encumber is a verb that means to burden or weigh down.

The French word Combre (comb) refers to ‘a river barrage formed by felled trees.’ This word came to refer to things that hold something back or weigh it down. It is also the basis for the word ‘cumbersome.’

Andy hoped the barbecue pit wouldn’t encumber the group on their camping trip. Sure it was heavy, but how can you have a camping trip without barbecued buffalo wings?