disencumber

[ dis-en-kuhm-ber ]

verb (used with object)

1. to free from a burden or other encumbrance; disburden.

   Synonyms: unburden, disembarrass, disentangle

disencumber

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈkʌmbə /

verb

1. tr to free from encumbrances

Derived Forms

• ˌdisenˈcumberment, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disencumber¹

1590–1600; < Middle French desencombrer, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + encombrer to encumber

Example Sentences

I asked Mr. Musk, who has given money to both Democratic and Republican candidates, if Grimes, who supported Bernie Sanders, had an influence on his recent decision to disencumber himself of his houses, including a quirky one once owned by Gene Wilder.

From New York Times

Ms. Dunham has been lying low since the end of “Girls” in April, and while her future slate looks full — her first book of short stories comes out next year, her Lenny imprint with Random House will publish its first title in August and she is working with her “Girls” partner Jenni Konner on television and film projects — the time felt right to disencumber herself.

From New York Times

Among the things we find out is that Nora hasn’t returned to clear the air but to further disencumber herself from her family.

From Washington Post

The drawings had the look of school projects, and I didn’t need a camera, but I sensed that Walt was looking for a way to disencumber himself of things he couldn’t bear to simply donate to Goodwill.

From The New Yorker

Though clearly anxious to get away after his talk at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C., he had heard out my tale of how it had stopped once I fell, allowing me to disencumber myself of equipment, get up and run off without being chased.

From Salon