Cushion

/ˈkʊʃ.ən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A soft bag of material, filled with a mass of something (as soft material or air), used for sitting or leaning on.

She placed a cushion on the chair to make it more comfortable.

Something that serves as a barrier or protection.

The cushion between the two companies helped to mitigate the risks of their partnership.

A thickening or padding that protects or absorbs shock.

The cushion at the bottom of the box prevented the fragile items from breaking during shipping.

verb

To make something less severe or intense; to soften the impact of something.

They decided to cushion the blow of the bad news with some positive information.

To provide with a cushion or padding.

He cushioned the fragile vase with foam before placing it in the box.

Middle English cusshen, from Old French coissin, from Latin culcīnus, related to culcire 'to press down'

cushion the blow

To lessen the impact of a difficult situation.

cushion effect

The ability to absorb shock or impact.

cushion one's fall

To make a fall less painful.

cushioned seat

A seat with extra padding for comfort.

padding

Material used to soften or protect.

bolster

A long pillow or cushion.

seat

A place to sit, especially a cushioned one.

A figure that provides a financial safety net.

The savings act as a cushion in case of emergencies.

A person who provides support or comfort.

He's been my emotional cushion during tough times.