cumber
1 of 2verb
cum·ber ˈkəm-bər 
cumbered; cumbering ˈkəm-b(ə-)riŋ
transitive verb
1
archaic : trouble, harass
2
a
: to hinder or encumber by being in the way
cumbered with heavy clothing
b
: to clutter up
rocks cumbering the yard
cumber
2 of 2noun
: something that cumbers
especially : hindrance
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English combren, short for acombren, from Anglo-French acumbrer, encumbrer — more at encumber
First Known Use
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined above
cumbers
noun
as in burdens
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- burdens
- dangers
- delays
- perils
- loads
- hazards
- hardships
- difficulties
- stalls
- disadvantages
- curbs
- drawbacks
- reefs
- restraints
- stone walls
- obstacles
- stoppages
- barriers
- impediments
- embargoes
- adversities
- holdups
- reins
- constraints
- obstructions
- snags
- hindrances
- embarrassments
- cramps
- bits
- interferences
- clogs
- blockades
- encumbrances
- hurdles
- rubs
- brick walls
- shackles
- handicaps
- arrests
- blockages
- hobbles
- deterrents
- trammels
- brakes
- stumbling blocks
- catches
- lets
- inhibitions
- hitches
- fetters
- chains
- blocks
- balks
- manacles
- checks
- stops
- crimps
- drags
- bars
- holdbacks
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- stimuli
- spurs
- stimulants
- incentives
- advantages
- edges
- benefits
- goads
- impetuses
- catalysts
- aids
- breaks
- help
- handmaids
- assistances
- handmaidens
- boosts