comfort

1 of 2

verb

com·​fort ˈkəm(p)-fərt How to pronounce comfort (audio)
comforted; comforting; comforts

transitive verb

1
: to give strength and hope to : cheer
comforted by the knowledge that the program will be fully funded
2
: to ease the grief or trouble of : console
The mother comforted her crying child.
The bereaved families of the victims were comforted by friends.
comfortingly adverb

comfort

2 of 2

noun

1
: strengthening aid:
a
: assistance, support
accused of giving aid and comfort to the enemy
b
: consolation in time of trouble or worry : solace
He turned to her for comfort when he lost his job.
2
a
: a feeling of relief or encouragement
It's a comfort to know that I can rely on you for help.
b
: contented well-being
a life of ease and comfort
3
: a satisfying or enjoyable experience
Seeing her son again after so many years was a great comfort.
4
: one that gives or brings comfort
all the comforts of home
Her grandchildren were always a great comfort to her.
comfortless adjective

Examples of comfort in a Sentence

Verb Our family was comforted by the outpouring of support from the community. We can comfort ourselves with the thought that the worst is over. Noun These boots provide warmth and comfort in the coldest temperatures. The car's seats are designed for comfort. The suites combine comfort with convenience. The drug gave some comfort to the patient. I found a cozy chair where I could read in comfort. He turned to her for comfort and support when he lost his job. They were great comforts to each other during that difficult time. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The change in weather and the color of leaves could only mean three things for Southerners: SEC football, chilly autumn evenings spent on the porch, and, of course, breaking out the slow cooker to make warm, comforting meals. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023 One day, Young was hanging out in the hallway, when a math teacher called her over and asked her to comfort the new student crying in the bathroom. Aliyya Swaby, ProPublica, 14 Sep. 2023 The time has come to pour a mug of your favorite hot beverage, jump onto the couch sporting an oversized sweatshirt, and curl up under a warm, comforting blanket. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2023 The end goal is always making your home (and life overall) as cozy and comforting as possible. Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2023 To comfort her, an aunt promised to bring her a gift: a bottle of Shower to Shower baby powder. Ellen Barry Hilary Swift, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2023 Is choosing a backpack by weight and comfort the same thing? Justin Park, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2023 In her role with the department, Grace will help comfort victims of trauma, calm tensions within the police station and be a diplomat between the department and the community. Nate Flauto, cleveland, 31 Aug. 2023 Both Driggs and Soria were comforted by news of the settlement agreement. Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 3 Sep. 2023
Noun
The insider added that Candy has also stepped in as a source of comfort to her daughter's five children. Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2023 Cariuma Hokusai Wave Off Kanagawa Canvas Slip-On Sneakers Beyond their striking aesthetics, each of these sneakers are thoughtfully designed to ensure all-day comfort and support. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2023 But the status of the suspect’s mental health might not bring comfort to the deputy’s grieving family, Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna said. Stephanie Becker, CNN, 20 Sep. 2023 Someone else was depending on me for comfort, love and exercise. Blake Turck, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2023 They’re made in the same plush fabric as the brand’s best-selling robes and throw blankets for ultimate comfort. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2023 While researching outfitters, Kirby found that CTSS stood out with its multitude of options to enhance your comfort level. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2023 Athleta’s Retreat Joggers have a relaxed fit for comfort, as well as two roomy front zip pockets that can fit most smartphones. Karen I. Chen, wsj.com, 15 Sep. 2023 The only difference is that it was done from the comfort of your own home! Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'comfort.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English comforten, conforten "to strengthen spiritually, inspire with courage, exort, cheer up, encourage, invigorate," borrowed from Anglo-French conforter, comforter, borrowed from Late Latin confortāre "to strengthen, restore strength to, invigorate, cure" (Medieval Latin also "to cheer, reassure"), from Latin con- con- + Late Latin -fortāre, verbal derivative of Latin fortis "strong, robust" — more at fort

Noun

Middle English comfort, counfort "invigoration, encouragement, assurance, feeling of relief, pleasure, gratification," borrowed from Anglo-French comfort, confort, cunfort "solace, encouragement, enjoyment, satisfaction," noun derivative of conforter, comforter "to strengthen, encourage, solace" — more at comfort entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of comfort was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near comfort

Cite this Entry

“Comfort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comfort. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

comfort

1 of 2 verb
com·​fort ˈkəm(p)-fərt How to pronounce comfort (audio)
1
: to give strength and hope to : cheer
2
: to ease the grief or trouble of : console
comfortingly adverb

comfort

2 of 2 noun
1
: acts or words that comfort
2
: the feeling of the one that is comforted
find comfort in a mother's love
3
: something that makes a person comfortable
the comforts of home
comfortless adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on comfort

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!