Difference between usage of encumber and cumber?

Question

I know they both mean to weight down...so what's the difference???

Answer 1

I've heard encumber a lot more, never really heard cumber. Encumber is more common.

Answer 2

encumber means to hold back/restrain/constrain/hamper/hinder/re... but cumber is an archaic meaning to to  1- bother; distress. 2-to restrict. For example, ( old newspapers cumbering the yard)== cluttering up or clogging...

I hope that will help much......

Answer 3

I think the main difference is that "cumber" isn't in general usage.