Directions: Choose the word that best fits the meaning of the given sentence.

He _________ himself never about consequences or about interests and gives a judicious and frank opinion.

'Cumbers' means to burden or hamper - fitting the context of someone who doesn't weigh themselves down with worries about consequences. The sentence means he doesn't burden himself with such concerns when giving frank opinions. 'Cowers' means to shrink in fear, 'needles' is unrelated, and 'racks' would mean torments, which doesn't fit the context.