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

However, the text that will provide “both Émile’s instruction and entertainment” is to be “disencumbered of all its rigmarole”.

From The Guardian

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

One striking thing about “Stranger Days,” the younger Mr. O’Farrill’s debut as a leader, is how self-secure and disencumbered it sounds.

From New York Times

Since cancer survivors find themselves engaged in disencumbering themselves, perhaps Project Divest has less to do with my impending death and more to do with the death of the self that required all that stuff.

From New York Times

Mr. Potts could not at once free himself from the hold of the enraged beast, for his arms were pinioned behind him by his upper garment, of which he was disencumbering himself.

From Project Gutenberg