comfort

¹com·fort

verb \ˈkəm(p)-fərt\

Definition of COMFORT

transitive verb

1

: to give strength and hope to : cheer

2

: to ease the grief or trouble of : console

— com·fort·ing·ly \-fər-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of COMFORT

1. Our family was comforted by the outpouring of support from the community.
2. We can comfort ourselves with the thought that the worst is over.

Origin of COMFORT

Middle English, from Anglo-French cunforter, comforter, from Late Latin confortare to strengthen greatly, from Latin com- + fortis strong

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to COMFORT

Synonyms: assure, cheer, console, reassure, solace, soothe

Antonyms: distress, torment, torture, trouble

Related Words: commiserate, condole, empathize, sympathize; boost, buoy (up), elevate, lift, uplift; allay, alleviate, assuage, relieve; calm, quiet, relax, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

Near Antonyms: demoralize, discourage, dishearten; fret, upset, worry; aggravate, intensify, worsen; annoy, irk, irritate; harass, pester

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