cushion

²cushion

verb

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

Definition of CUSHION

transitive verb

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

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