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
cumber
noun
as in burden
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- burden
- load
- delay
- danger
- peril
- hazard
- reef
- embargo
- stall
- hardship
- holdup
- drawback
- disadvantage
- difficulty
- curb
- let
- stoppage
- stone wall
- encumbrance
- hindrance
- constraint
- barrier
- impediment
- blockade
- brake
- hobble
- adversity
- obstacle
- restraint
- shackles
- interference
- rein
- rub
- fetter
- clog
- arrest
- obstruction
- blockage
- hitch
- brick wall
- chain
- embarrassment
- hurdle
- catch
- snag
- deterrent
- cramp
- bit
- trammel
- stumbling block
- handicap
- inhibition
- manacle
- balk
- drag
- crimp
- stop
- check
- block
- bar
- holdback
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- incentive
- impetus
- spur
- advantage
- stimulus
- edge
- aid
- benefit
- goad
- catalyst
- assistance
- break
- stimulant
- help
- boost
- handmaid
- handmaiden