cushion

The definition of a cushion is something padded that adds comfort, support or lessens impact.

(noun)

Cushion is defined as to add padding or protect from impact.

(verb)

An example of cushion is wearing knee pads while gardening.

See cushion in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a pillow or soft pad for sitting or kneeling on, or reclining against; specif., a removable one forming part of a sofa, chair, etc.
a thing like a cushion in shape, softness, or use, as a small pillow used in lace-making, padding of various sorts, etc.
a fatty or fibrous padlike part of the body
anything serving to absorb shock, as air or steam in some machines, the elastic inner rim of a billiard table, or a soft, padded insole
anything that moderates an adverse effect, relieves a distressing condition, provides comfort, etc.

Origin: ME cuisshin < OFr coissin < ML coxinum, altered (after L coxa, hip) < Gallo-Roman *culcinum, for L culcita, cushion, quilt

transitive verb

to provide with a cushion or cushions
1. to seat or set on a cushion
2. to prop up with a cushion or cushions
to hide or suppress, as if under a cushion
to absorb (shock or noise)
to act as a cushion, as in protecting from shock or injury, moderating ill effects, relieving distress, etc.: the bush cushioned his fall

See cushion in American Heritage Dictionary 4

cush·ion

noun

A pad or pillow with a soft filling, used for resting, reclining, or kneeling.
Something resilient used as a rest, support, or shock absorber.
A mat placed or attached beneath carpeting to provide softness and increase durability.
A padlike body part.
Games The rim bordering the playing surface of a billiard table.
A pillow used in lacemaking.
Something that mitigates or relieves an adverse effect: extra funds serving as a cushion against future inflation.

transitive verb cush·ioned, cush·ion·ing, cush·ions

To provide with a cushion: cushion a bench.
To place or seat on a cushion.
To cover or hide (something) with or as if with a cushion.
To protect from impacts or other disturbing effects: an automobile suspension that cushions the ride.
To mitigate the effects of; absorb the shock of: cushion a blow.

Origin: Middle English cushin, from Old French coussin, from Vulgar Latin *coxīnum, from Latin coxa, hip.

Related Forms: