Definition

1. Verb:
   • To hinder or obstruct; to be a burden or impediment: "cumber" means to hold back, slow down, or create difficulty for someone or something, often by being an encumbrance or a source of clutter.
   • To fill or block with things that are in the way: It can also mean to clutter or fill a space with objects that cause obstruction.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The heavy backpack began to cumber the hiker as he climbed the steep trail.
  • Do not cumber your mind with trivial worries.
  • Old furniture cumbered the hallway, making it difficult to pass.

Advanced Usage

• "To be cumbered with": To be burdened, hindered, or cluttered by something.
  • The manager was cumbered with administrative duties and had little time for creative work.
  • The garden was cumbered with fallen branches after the storm.

Variants and Related Words

• Encumber (verb): To restrict or burden (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult. This is the more common modern variant.
  • He was encumbered by debt.
• Cumbersome (adjective): Large, heavy, or difficult to handle or use; unwieldy.
  • The package was too cumbersome to carry alone.
• Encumbrance (noun): A burden or impediment.
  • The lack of funding was a major encumbrance to the project.

Synonyms

• Hinder: To create difficulties for someone or something, resulting in delay or obstruction.
• Hamper: To hinder or impede the movement or progress of.
• Burden: To load or weigh down.
• Clog: To block or become blocked with an accumulation of thick, wet matter.

Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms that use the exact word "cumber".)

Verb

1. hold back