comfort

1 of 2

verb

com·​fort ˈkəm(p)-fərt 

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

ˈkəm(p)-fər-tiŋ-lē 

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

ˈkəm(p)-fərt-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

Verb

• assure
• cheer
• console
• reassure
• solace
• soothe

Noun

• cheer
• consolation
• relief
• solace

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In the comments section, Jill and Derick were met with comforting messages from fans, friends and various family members. —Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2024

But the one thing that’s clear is that at bedtime, people looking to get some sleep just loath those difficult-to-ignore dots of light ruining the comforting darkness needed to get some shuteye. —Bryan Mena, CNN, 13 Apr. 2024

Island Paradise Spa Tower $99.99 This five-box tower spa gift set comes with a comforting waffle robe. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 12 Apr. 2024

The robotic teenager of the title becomes a vehicle through which the film explores memory, grief and what comforting company such a figure could offer the family that first bought him and now fears losing him. —Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024

Such gestures convey all sorts of meanings, not altogether comforting for recipients. —Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024

Start talking or typing about anxiety and the app generates the kind of comforting, sympathetic statements therapists are trained to deliver. —Matthew Perrone, Quartz, 22 Mar. 2024

The vibe and mission Tabitha Hinson of A Cause for Tea told us the space aims to comfort and soothe the guests. —Kristen Kornbluth, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2024

That may seem comforting, but decades of quickly suppressing fires has had unintended consequences. —Mark Kreider, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024

Noun

Fans who itch for game analysis, feedback, predictions or the comfort of other Kings fans leading up to the game, or the day after, can tune into daytime radio personalities in Sacramento. —Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 16 Apr. 2024

Although these festivities are happening on the other side of the world, Arizonans can prepare to watch the games from the comfort of their own homes. —Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 16 Apr. 2024

Animals, particularly cats, had long been a source of companionship and comfort for Carr, an antidote of sorts to a chaotic, abusive childhood in New York’s Lower East Side. —Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024

If the day calls for comfort, versatility, and coverage, there’s nothing that fits the bill quite like a tunic. —Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024

But others have grown accustomed to having their relationships and social communication take place from the comfort of their home and smartphones. —Myisha Battle, TIME, 13 Apr. 2024

In some communities, for example, people prefer their children to be heavier, associating it with comfort and happiness. —Kavitha Cardoza, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024

These sheets are breathable, moisture-wicking, and durable, ensuring long-lasting comfort and quality. —Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2024

And Deborah, too, will always be tempted by the comfort of staying in the same place. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 4 Apr. 2024

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

Phrases Containing comfort

• cold comfort
• comfort food
• comfort station
• comfort zone
• creature comfort
• in the comfort of one's own home
• take comfort in
• too close for comfort
• too near for comfort

Kids Definition

comfort

1 of 2 verb

com·​fort ˈkəm(p)-fərt 

1

: to give strength and hope to : cheer

2

: to ease the grief or trouble of : console

comfortingly

ˈkəm(p)-fər-tiŋ-lē 

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

-ləs 

adjective