cumber

[ kuhm-ber ]

verb (used with object)

1. to hinder; hamper.
2. to overload; burden.
3. to inconvenience; trouble.

noun

1. a hindrance.
2. something that cumbers.
3. Archaic. embarrassment; trouble.

cumber

/ ˈkʌmbə /

verb

1. to obstruct or hinder
2. obsolete.
   to inconvenience

noun

1. a hindrance or burden

Derived Forms

• ˈcumberer, noun

Other Words From

• cumber·er noun
• cumber·ment noun
• over·cumber verb (used with object)
• un·cumbered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cumber¹

1250–1300; Middle English cumbre (noun), cumbren (v.), aphetic variant of acumbren to harass, defeat; encumber

Word History and Origins

Origin of cumber¹

C13: probably from Old French combrer to impede, prevent, from combre barrier; see encumber

Example Sentences

There is no specimen at present in the Museum, the one stuffed by Miss Cumber having, as above mentioned, disappeared.

From Project Gutenberg

God had, at any rate, decreed that this man should not cumber it as a drone.

From Project Gutenberg

My followers have fled, though I am glad to see some of the hare-livered dogs cumber the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

I believe,' said she smiling, though she sighed too, 'that I am still to cumber the ground a little longer.

From Project Gutenberg

There is (p. 361) no picturesque decay in London; what is not of use must go: it dare not cumber the precious ground.

From Project Gutenberg