cushion

/ˈkʊʃən/

/ˈkʊʃɛn/

Other forms: cushions; cushioned; cushioning

Fabric filled with foam, feathers, or other padding material makes a cushion, which can be used to make something like a chair or sofa more comfortable.

The noun cushion can also refer to anything that is used to soften an impact or absorb shocks. In modern cars, for example, sometimes in a crash or accident, air bags will deploy and act as cushions for the passengers to prevent them from injuring themselves on hard surfaces like the dashboard or steering wheel. A cushion isn't necessarily a physical one, however, as you may want to keep an emergency fund as a cushion in case of unexpected expenses. As a verb, cushion means to protect from the impact of negative information so if you have bad news, you'll want to cushion the blow as much as possible.

Definitions of cushion

1. verb

   protect from impact
   “cushion the blow”

   synonyms: buffer, soften

   type of:

   modify

   make less severe or harsh or extreme
2. noun

   a soft bag filled with air or a mass of padding such as feathers or foam rubber etc.
   types:

   air cushion, inflatable cushion

   a cushion usually made of rubber or plastic that can be inflated

   gaddi

   a cushion on a throne for a prince in India

   hassock

   a cushion for kneeling on (as when praying in church)

   head restraint, headrest

   a cushion attached to the top of the back of an automobile's seat to prevent whiplash

   pillow

   a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person

   pincushion

   a small stiff cushion into which pins are stuck ready for use

   seat cushion

   a cushion that makes a seat more comfortable

   throw pillow

   a small cushion that is used for decorative purposes

   bed pillow

   a soft pillow for use on a bed

   bolster, long pillow

   a pillow that is often put across a bed underneath the regular pillows

   type of:

   cushioning, padding

   artifact consisting of soft or resilient material used to fill or give shape or protect or add comfort
3. noun

   the layer of air that supports a hovercraft or similar vehicle
   type of:

   bed, layer

   single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance
4. noun

   a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses
   synonyms: shock, shock absorber

   types:

   air cushion, air spring

   a mechanical device using confined air to absorb the shock of motion

   type of:

   damper, muffler

   a device that decreases the amplitude of electronic, mechanical, acoustical, or aerodynamic oscillations