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DictionaryRoot: -ance
Old French

-ance

a state, condition, or action

Forms

  • -ance

Origin

Old French -ance continues Latin -antia.

Note

English often keeps the French noun even when a related describing word ends in -ant.

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A traveler struggles through a narrow doorway with an oversized backpack that visibly catches on both sides of the frame, making the carried burden an actual hindrance.
noun

encumbrance

in-KUM-bruns/ɪnˈkʌmbrəns/

A burden that restricts action or freedom.

Etymology
enLatinin, into, on, upon
+cumbrLatinbarricade, obstacle
+anceOld Frencha state, condition, or action

The underlying image is an obstacle blocking the way, which developed into the broader idea of a burden or hindrance. A legal encumbrance similarly burdens property with a claim.

Full entry

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