French Conversation · Level 115
59 words
French word
encombrer
Pronunciation
IPA/ɑ̃kɔ̃bʁe/
Meaning
- verbcrowd
Example
Le marché encombre la place le dimanche.
The market crowds the square on Sundays.
More examples
Les cartons encombrent l'entrée.
The boxes are blocking the entrance.
Core concept
A useful area or object is blocked by an excess of things, leaving too little room for its intended use.
Common phrases
encombrer l'entrée
block the entrance
encombrer la circulation
jam traffic
Similar words
bloquer: To stop passage or movement by blocking the way.
boucher: To plug an opening or gap and obstruct passage or flow.
surcharger: To overload something with more objects or work than it can handle.
gêner: To hinder a person or object from moving or functioning easily.
Definition in French
Remplir un lieu ou un objet au point d'en rendre l'utilisation difficile ou gênante.
Word origin
Encombrer is an inherited French verb from Old French encombrer, with continuity of its basic meaning of causing an obstruction.
Usage tips
- The related adjective encombré is often followed by de to name the obstructing contents, as in une table encombrée de livres.
Other meanings
- clutterverb
- blockverb
- obstructverb
Opposites
- dégagerclearverb
- désencombrerdeclutterverb
Related words
- encombrementcongestionnoun
- encombrantcumbersomeadjective
- encombréobstructedadjective