cushion

¹cush·ion

noun \ˈku̇-shən\

Definition of CUSHION

1

: a soft pillow or pad usually used for sitting, reclining, or kneeling

2

: a bodily part resembling a pad

3

: something resembling a cushion: as

a : pillow 2

b : rat 3

c : a pad of springy rubber along the inside of the rim of a billiard table

d : a padded insert in a shoe

e : an elastic body for reducing shock

f : a mat laid under a large rug to ease the effect of wear

4

a : something (as an economic factor or a medical procedure) serving to mitigate the effects of disturbances or disorders

b : a reserve supply (as of money)

c : a comfortable lead <a 4–0 cushion in the ninth inning>

— cush·ion·less \-ləs\ adjective

— cush·iony \-shə-nē\ adjective

Examples of CUSHION

1. There is a cushion under the rug to protect the floor.
2. We didn't have a financial cushion when my husband lost his job.

Origin of CUSHION

Middle English cusshin, from Anglo-French cussin, quissin, from Vulgar Latin *coxinus, from Latin coxa hip — more at coxa

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CUSHION

Synonyms

buffer, bumper, cocoon, cushioning, fender, pad

Related Words

baffle, muffler; padding; safeguard, shield; barricade, cordon

²cushion

transitive verb

cush·ionedcush·ion·ing \ˈku̇-sh(ə-)niŋ\

Definition of CUSHION

1

: to seat or place on a cushion

2

: to suppress by ignoring

3

: to furnish with a cushion <a cushioned seat>

4

a : to mitigate the effects of <trying to cushion the blow>

b : to protect against force or shock <cushion the ride>

5

: to check gradually so as to minimize shock of moving parts

Examples of CUSHION

1. The pile of leaves helped cushion his fall.
2. The tax cut is meant to cushion the blow of soaring gas prices.

First Known Use of CUSHION

circa 1738

Related to CUSHION

Synonyms

buffer, gentle, soften

Related Words

baffle, dampen, deaden, dull, obtund; moderate, modulate, temper; allay, alleviate, assuage, ease; lighten, mitigate, relieve

Near Antonyms

heighten, intensify, sharpen

cush·ion

noun \ˈku̇sh-ən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CUSHION

1

: a bodily part resembling a pad

2

: a medical procedure or drug that eases discomfort without necessarily affecting the basic condition of the patient